<?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, 28 Sep 2026 21:34:17 +0000</pubDate>

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            <title><![CDATA[Tesla Model Y 2026 review: L long-term | Part 1 | Kia EV9 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/tesla-model-y-l-long-term-part-1-102743</link>
            <description><![CDATA[There is no escaping the 2026 Tesla Model Y L.All you have to do is look around on our roads and you will see the massive impact the fully electric SUV has had in a short amount of time.Of course, the Model Y L is a long-wheelbase version of the &lsquo;regular&rsquo; Model Y with six seats across three rows.Yep, there is a pair of captain&rsquo;s chairs in the second row, so the occupants are getting similar treatment to the driver and front passenger.And there is the two-seat bench in the third row, which is handy when you&rsquo;ve got more than five passengers to drive around.This turned out to be a very in-demand configuration, with zero-emissions drivers having largely been left in the cold when it comes to three-row options &ndash; but not anymore.That said, does the Model Y L deserve to be so popular?We are going to find out in this two-part long-term review, with this first instalment set to detail its pricing, features (including safety), powertrain, driving range, charging, warranty, servicing and design.The second and final part will deep dive the Model Y L&rsquo;s practicality, my driving impressions and all-important final verdict.How much does the 2026 Tesla Model Y L cost?The 2026 Tesla Model Y L Premium All-Wheel Drive is priced from $74,900 plus on-road costs, which makes it $6000 dearer than the equivalent &lsquo;regular&rsquo; Model Y, the Long Range All-Wheel Drive.The Model Y L only has few three-row EV rivals, with the new Mercedes-Benz GLB electric (from $74,990) almost matching it on price, while the Kia EV9 (from $97,000), Hyundai Ioniq 9 (from $119,668) and Volvo EX90 (from $124,990) are larger and much more expensive.Go broader and similarly sized and specified three-row SUV rivals include the Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Hybrid (from $77,150), Toyota Kluger Grande Hybrid (from $85,065) and Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV (from $86,115).Point being, the Model Y L is very well positioned, which is why our roads are flooded with examples since its March 2026 launch.What does the 2026 Tesla Model Y L come with?The 2026 Tesla Model Y L comes with an impressively long list of standard equipment,&nbsp; including:Dusk-sensing LED lightingRain-sensing windshield wipers19-inch Machina 2.0 alloy wheels with aero coversMulti-link suspension with adaptive dampersTinted glass roofKeyless entryRear privacy glassHands-free power tailgateKeyless startArtificial leather and suede upholsteryFirst-row 16-inch touchscreen multimedia system with over-the-air updatesDigital radio18-speaker sound system (three more speakers than any other Model Y)Heated steering wheelPower-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation and thigh extensionDual-zone climate controlSecond-row 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia systemPower-adjustable and -folding second-row seats with heatingPower-folding third-row seatsAmbient lightingMeanwhile, the Model Y L&rsquo;s standard safety features impressively include:Forward collision warningAutonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detectionLane-keep assistSteering assistAdaptive cruise control with stop and go functionalityBlind-spot monitoringCross-traffic alertSurround-view cameras with dash cam and Sentry ModeFront and rear parking sensorsNote the Model Y L has a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating based on the 2025 protocols, matching the regular Model Y despite its larger frame.For $149 per month, the Model Y is optionally available with Tesla&rsquo;s hyped Full Self Driving (Supervised), which upgrades its autonomous capabilities to a staggering degree, with the driver inputs not required when active.I will soon be publishing a standalone article on FSD with all of my thoughts on its real-world use cases and performance, so stay tuned for that.But it is fair to say that my passengers and I have been astounded by how effective it is on Australian roads, which makes you wonder what the not-too-distant future will look like.So, what is the Model Y L missing?Well, there is still no]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin Hilliard]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/tesla-model-y-l-long-term-part-1-102743</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric 2026 review: snapshot | Lotus Eletre rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/porsche-cayenne-turbo-electric-102718</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The flagship model grade of the new Porsche Cayenne Electric line-up is the Turbo. And while it doesn&rsquo;t have an actual turbocharger, it has plenty of performance.Surprisingly, the Cayenne Electric Turbo is actually cheaper than the existing Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, starting at $259,800 for the SUV and $272,000 for the Coupe.&nbsp;As the flagship it comes fully-loaded with equipment, including:22-inch alloy wheelsUnique lower front bumperPorsche Active Aero Dynamics with active AerobladesHD-Matrix LED headlightsPanoramic roof with variable light controlAdaptive sports seats with 18-way adjustment14-speaker Bose premium sound systemWhile this new electric version has the same basic silhouette of the previous Cayenne, this new model is longer and lower than the internal combustion versions, giving it a more modern look.Inside, is a very contemporary and practical cabin, with curved screens for the digital instrument display and the multimedia system, as well as the option to add a third screen in-front of the passenger.&nbsp;The overall level of fit and finish, the detail and quality of the materials is exactly what you&rsquo;d expect from a premium brand and an SUV at this price point.Performance is always a high benchmark for any Porsche with a &lsquo;Turbo&rsquo; badge and that&rsquo;s no different for the Cayenne Turbo. Its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive electric powertrain can make a staggering 850kW of power and 1500Nm of torque, although that power is only on boost and it typically uses &lsquo;only&rsquo; 630kW.With the full 850kW in use, the Cayenne Turbo has a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 2.5 seconds, which is hard to believe for such a big SUV.&nbsp;The extra performance does come at a small cost, with the Cayenne Turbo having the lowest driving range of the line-up (only 5km less than the Cayenne), at 537km. This is courtesy of a 106kWh battery that Porsche builds itself at a special factory specifically for the Cayenne.As for safety, the Cayenne Electric is as well equipped as you should expect a car at this price to be. There are all the features that have become the norm, including speed limit warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, etc.But it&rsquo;s not the fact that it has all the safety features that&rsquo;s impressive, it&rsquo;s the level of calibration. Yes, the speed limit warning will go off if you speed, but generally the other safety systems were very well-behaved and understated during our drive.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Ottley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/porsche-cayenne-turbo-electric-102718</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Toyota C-HR 2026 review: Koba Hybrid | Nissan Qashqai rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/urban/toyota-c-hr-koba-hybrid-102738</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The first-generation Toyota C-HR was popular in Australia, however the second-generation model hasn&rsquo;t yet lived up to its predecessor when it comes to sales.One of the main reasons is because the current C-HR, which launched in 2023, is considerably more expensive. This is primarily due to it being built in Turkiye, rather than Japan, which in turn attracts import tariffs.The 2026 Toyota C-HR line-up is currently priced as follows:C-HR GXL Hybrid: $46,940C-HR Koba Hybrid: $53,890C-HR GR Sport Hybrid: $58,890All prices are before on-road costsOn test here is the mid-spec Koba Hybrid with the optional two-tone paint and panoramic glass roof ($2700). This brings the as-tested price to $56,590, before on-road costs, or $62,107 drive-away in Victoria.This is a lot of money for a mid-spec, mainstream, small SUV. It&rsquo;s considerably more expensive than the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, Honda HR-V Hybrid and even the larger and more practical Toyota Corolla Cross.At this price point it's even more expensive than the European Volkswagen T-Roc and is somewhat in line with the larger UK-sourced, hybrid-only Nissan Qashqai.2026 Toyota C-HR Hybrid powertrain and fuel efficiency detailsAnother reason why the current C-HR is more expensive is because it's hybrid only.In Koba form there is a 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain with a total system output of 103kW. This may sound mediocre, but around town there&rsquo;s plenty of oomph.The majority of the low-speed driving is handled by the electric motor and it will occasionally dip into EV mode at highway and freeway speeds.Toyota claims the C-HR Koba consumes an average of 4.0L/100km, which is very low. Surprisingly, fuel figures like this are achievable in the real-world too. I saw as low as 3.7L/100km in the city and around 5.5L/100km on the freeway.There is a 43L fuel tank which allows for a theoretical total range of up to 1075km. A minimum of 91 RON regular unleaded petrol is required.How the 2026 Toyota C-HR Hybrid performs on the roadWhile the C-HR is zippy in urban areas, building up speed requires it to engage the petrol engine more. There is enough power to make do, but the engine sound above 80km/h is coarse and unrefined.It&rsquo;s not helped by the road and tyre noise that enters the cabin at higher speeds. Given the price tag this is disappointing, but many European rivals also suffer the same issue.Even though the hybrid engine&rsquo;s performance isn&rsquo;t awe-inspiring, the way the C-HR drives is. It&rsquo;s built on Toyota&rsquo;s TNGA-C platform which it shares with the current Corolla and Prius, among others.This small SUV is nimble and fun to drive, even in your everyday commute. There&rsquo;s an element of the driving experience that is similar to the go kart-feel of a Mini Cooper.Even the suspension is compliant, though the large 19-inch alloy wheels transmit harsher bumps into the cabin. Thankfully as the car is so small, you can typically dodge big potholes.How practical is the 2026 Toyota's C-HR angular design?Unlike many new-generation cars, this version of the C-HR is actually 30mm shorter than the original. However, it&rsquo;s 37mm wider, allowing for more shoulder-to-shoulder passenger space.The exterior design looks sophisticated and upmarket for Toyota, however the flush door handles are a faff to use. Interestingly though, there&rsquo;s no rear wiper, which is annoying.Inside there is a lovely cockpit feel with all the key touchpoints within easy reach of the driver. The front seats also have a sporty look and hug you in nicely.The second row clearly isn&rsquo;t the main focus, but compared to the original C-HR it's not as claustrophobic. However, amenities are extremely limited. There&rsquo;s only a single cupholder on each door. No rear air vents, no centre armrest.There is 388L of boot space with the rear seats upright, which doesn&rsquo;t sound amazing on paper, but in practice it&rsquo;s decent.Five-star ANCAP safety rating and up to seven years of]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jack Quick]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/urban/toyota-c-hr-koba-hybrid-102738</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Urban</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[MG U9 2026 review: Explore Pro - off-road test | Ford Ranger rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/adventure/mg-u9-explore-pro-102658</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The MG U9 Explore Pro is the top-shelf variant in MG’s ute line-up. It has plenty of onboard features, as well as a variety of drive modes and – most importantly if you’re a keen off-roader – it has front and rear diff locks as standard. But, how does this MG ute perform off-road? ]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Marcus Craft]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/adventure/mg-u9-explore-pro-102658</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Adventure</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Porsche Cayenne S Electric 2026 review: snapshot | Volvo EX90 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/porsche-cayenne-s-electric-102717</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Porsche Cayenne S Electric is the middle member of the initial three-tier line-up that has launched in Australia in 2026.Priced from $193,000 for the SUV and $194,500 for the Coupe, the Cayenne S Electric is only just over $8000 more than its petrol alternative. For that money you get:21-inch alloy wheelsMatrix LED headlightsIlluminated &lsquo;Porsche&rsquo; lettering on the bootlidPanoramic glass roofFour-zone climate controlEight-way adjustable sports seatsBose surround sound audio system with 14 speakersThis new electric version has the same basic silhouette of the previous Cayenne, but the details give it a distinctive look, this new model is longer and lower than the internal combustion versions. The details of the design also give it a sharper, more modern look too.&nbsp;The same is true of the interior, with a modern design that keeps the Cayenne Electric contemporary, but also practical and loaded with all the technology modern buyers expect.The Cayenne S has a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain that makes 400kW (490kW on Overboost) and 1080Nm and has a 0-100km/h time of a very rapid 3.8 seconds.Range for the Cayenne S is rated at 571km, thanks to its 106kWh battery, which is the most of the range.As for safety, the Cayenne Electric is as well equipped as you should expect a car at this price to be. There are all the features that have become the norm, including speed limit warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, etc.But it&rsquo;s not the fact that it has all the safety features that&rsquo;s impressive, it&rsquo;s the level of calibration, with very good integration.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Ottley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/porsche-cayenne-s-electric-102717</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Renault Symbioz 2026 review: Techno mild hybrid | Nissan Qashqai rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/urban/renault-symbioz-techno-mild-hybrid-102708</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Renault Symbioz is a new, small SUV from the French brand. We drove at its Aussie launch this year, but this is the first time we&rsquo;ve lived with it for a week and I almost feel sorry for the thing.You see, the Symbioz was sparkling clean, fresh from being built in Valladolid, Spain before landing in the middle of a battlefield of Aussie suburbia with a four-year-old who immediately smudged chocolate in the seat and an 11-year old with more appointments and commitments than a prime minister.The Symbioz that I tested for family friendliness is the entry-grade Techno with the mild hybrid system.It was a long week. Here&rsquo;s how it went...2026 Renault Symbioz pricing and rivalsThe Renault Symbioz model range is small in Australia consisting of only two grades. We tested the entry-level Techno mild hybrid, although you can get a full hybrid.The list price of the Symbioz Techno mild hybrid is $36,990 before on-road costs, which is a lot more expensive than some Chinese rivals like the Jaecoo J5 or a Chery Tiggo 4, and a smidge more than the Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross or Mazda CX-30. It is, however, more affordable than the hybrid-only Nissan Qashqai.The Symbioz Techno is worth the extra money even if the value isn&rsquo;t as good as a Chinese SUV, because the difference is higher quality fit and finish and a more enjoyable car to drive.Standard features on the Techno include 18-inch alloy wheels, proximity unlocking, push-button start, a 10.4-inch media screen and 10.25-inch digital driver&rsquo;s display, climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Google Automated services.The seats are a synthetic fabric and that means chocolate wipes straight off, thankfully.Our test car is fitted with the optional electronic glass roof which turns from transparent to opaque thanks to a dispersed polymer liquid crystal film between the sheets of glass. The beauty of this is that there's no need for a sunshade that could reduce head room. Check out my video here to see it work.Yes, while value isn&rsquo;t one of the Renault Symbioz&rsquo;s strengths it does have a lot of compelling attributes.The best things about the 2026 Renault SymbiozFour attributes stand out as the strengths: the design, quality feel, practicality and the way it drives.I truly believe that the Symbioz is the best-looking small SUV for the price right now. I love the rear design especially with the razor-sharp tail-lights, but the entire vehicle is superbly styled and looks far more expensive than the price tag.The same goes for the interior and not just the design, but the feel of the fabrics and materials, switches and the steering wheel. Many SUVs try to aim for a stylish look, but few achieve the feel. This also goes for the thoughtful layout of this cabin that places everything within reach and where it should be.The practicality of the Symbioz is also outstanding. As a mum to two kids that insist on bringing everything everywhere, a small SUV (it&rsquo;s 4.4m long) is generally too small for us. But the excellent storage, occupant space and boot, which expands from 460L-592L because the rear row is on rails, has me rethinking that rule.&nbsp;If you&rsquo;re a family in an urban setting but need all the storage and room that kids and adults require, then seriously consider the Symbioz.The materials are also easy to clean and feel hard wearing, too.Under the bonnet of the 2026 Renault SymbiozFinally, the way the Symbioz drives is so engaging. Yes the 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine has a bit of the dreaded turbo lag and yes the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission can be a little clunky.In a world of fully electric cars with seamless stop and go, this engine and transmission feels a bit antiquated, but the Symbioz is still so enjoyable to pilot in an old-school way.As much as I love EVs for urban duties like the daycare drop off, grocery shopping and after-school sports dashes, I&rsquo;d missed how fun these little runs can be in]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Berry]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/urban/renault-symbioz-techno-mild-hybrid-102708</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Urban</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Ram 2500 2026 review: Warlock – Australian first drive | Chevrolet Silverado rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/tradies/ram-2500-warlock-102729</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Ram Australia was very keen, only a couple of years ago, to show us just how good its inline six-cylinder replacement for the Hemi V8 was. But now, having established the new engine's credentials, Ram has brought the V8 out of retirement. It now measures 6.4 litres and is seen only in the, bigger, 2500 version of the Ram pick-up. But has nostalgia talked Ram into a backward step?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[David Morley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/tradies/ram-2500-warlock-102729</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Tradies</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[GWM Tank 500 2026 review: 3.0L Diesel | Ford Everest rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/adventure/gwm-tank-500-30l-diesel-102728</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The GWM Tank 500 might look like a big and bruising off-road-ready SUV, but it&rsquo;s actually a time machine.How else to describe it? In a world in which the uptake of electrification is booming (so far this year, some 207,000 vehicles with a diesel engine have been sold, compared to 334,000 with some sort of electrification), GWM has fitted its Tank with an all-new and newly developed diesel engine, swimming strongly against the tide in the process.But GWM makes the very solid point that 207,000 is still a very big number, and in the segments this new 3.0-litre four-cylinder engine will compete (it is also fitted to the Cannon Alpha ute), the numbers are even stronger. In fact, the brand&rsquo;s data shows that, in 2025, some 92 per cent of the large body-on-frame SUV segment was diesel, along with 86 per cent of the ute market. And yes, those numbers have been falling in 2026. But it&rsquo;s still a big prize."I know it'll drop, but in that core space there's still an incredible amount of diesel customer base out there. Based on either geography, or how they use it, or their budget, they still want to do it, they still want to drive diesel. And we believe we'll have a technical advantage over many of those brands that have owned that segment for a long time,&rdquo; says GWM Australia&rsquo;s Chief Operating Officer, John Kett."We know that there are still customers there, and even though it's almost a sin to talk about, they're still buying.&rdquo;All of which is why we find ourselves behind the wheel of this new and diesel-powered Tank.  @carsguide.com.au The new 3.0-litre diesel engine in the 2026 GWM Tank 500 is part of a dying breed. But is it enough to take on Toyota Prado and Ford Everest? #GWM #GWMTank #4x4 #cartok #fyp &#9836; original sound - CarsGuide.com.au   What does the GWM Tank 500 cost?The new engine arrives in two Tank 500 variants, the Lux, currently $65,990 drive-away across the country, and the top-spec Vanta, which costs $71,990, also on the road. GWM says that, given the relatively small jump between the two, most people will end up springing for the flagship.The obvious big rival here is the Ford Everest, in which you can have the entry-level Active with the smaller engine on the road for around $60k at the moment. Everything else though &ndash; from Sport all the way to Platinum &ndash; will cost you from $70k to more than $90k on the road.It&rsquo;s hard to accuse GWM of skimping on the features, either. Check our detailed price and features story for the details, but you get a heap of stuff across both grades, and especially in the Vanta.How does the GWM Tank 500&rsquo;s new diesel engine perform?The biggest part of this story, though, is the engine, with the 3.0-litre, four-cylinder unit producing 170kW and an impressive 620Nm. That&rsquo;s a lot of torque for a four-cylinder engine, too, and while the on-the-road performance doesn&rsquo;t quite live up to the spec sheet promise, it never feels underpowered, either.To further extol the virtues of diesel donks in this segment, this new powertrain has had exactly the impact on the other critical capability benchmarks you might expect; towing is now 3.5-tonne braked for the first time, and the driving range (helped by the choice of one or two massive fuel tanks) is between 1098km and 1845kms. And with proper low range and twin diff locks, it will go about as far off road as you want to take it, too.Another unexpected perk is GWM&rsquo;s ability to dodge AdBlue, with the additive simply not required here. Fuel use is a promised 7.1L/100km, which is impressive for a car this size, too.What is the Tank 500 like to drive?Behind the wheel, the first thing you notice is the level of refinement. I&rsquo;m sure there&rsquo;s an office block&rsquo;s worth of sound deadening on board here, but it works, with this diesel feeling smoother and often quieter than some petrol and even hybrid powertrains I&rsquo;ve driven recently.Yes, it makes its presence known]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Chesterton]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/adventure/gwm-tank-500-30l-diesel-102728</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Adventure</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Alfa Tonale 2026 review: Veloce Ibrida - Australian first drive | BMW X1 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/luxury/alfa-tonale-veloce-ibrida-102719</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Alfa's Tonale is a hit overseas, but you wouldn't know it in Australia. Are the latest updates for 2026 enough to reverse its fortunes from just a handful of sales in 2025?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tom White]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/luxury/alfa-tonale-veloce-ibrida-102719</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Luxury</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Porsche Cayenne Electric 2026 review: snapshot | Range Rover Sport Electric rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/porsche-cayenne-electric-102716</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The all-new Porsche Cayenne Electric range begins with this &lsquo;entry-level&rsquo; model priced from $167,700 before on-road costs for the SUV body style and $173,500 for the Coupe. While that is a price premium over the existing petrol and hybrid models, it does come well specified.Standard equipment includes:20-inch alloy wheelsMatrix LED headlightsIlluminated &lsquo;Porsche&rsquo; lettering on the bootlidPanoramic glass roofDual-zone climate controlEight-way adjustable sports seat10-speaker sound systemWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoThis new electric version has the same basic silhouette of the previous Cayenne, but the details give it a distinctive look, this new model is longer and lower than the internal combustion versions. The details of the design also give it a sharper, more modern look too.&nbsp;Inside, for all the hype around Porsche performance, one of the brand&rsquo;s standout features, at least in my opinion, has always been interior design.&nbsp;This new Cayenne looks really interesting inside, with curved screens for the digital instrument display and the multimedia system, as well as the option to add a third screen in-front of the passenger.The overall level of fit and finish, the detail and quality of the materials is exactly what you&rsquo;d expect from a premium brand and an SUV at this price point.The Cayenne Electric is powered by a dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrain that makes up to 325kW of power and 835Nm of torque. That&rsquo;s enough for it to launch 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds.&nbsp;The Cayenne is powered by a Porsche-built 106kWh battery that provides 542km of range.In terms of safety, the Cayenne Electric is equipped with all the features that have become expected, including speed limit warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist and full airbag protection.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Ottley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/porsche-cayenne-electric-102716</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Toyota HiLux 2026 review: BEV SR5 Dual-cab pick-up - GVM test | KGM Musso EV rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/tradies/toyota-hilux-bev-sr5-dual-cab-pick-up-102707</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Toyota has launched the first full-electric version of its iconic HiLux workhorse, but does it offer the right mix of price and practicality to be a realistic alternative to its diesel stablemates?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Oastler]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/tradies/toyota-hilux-bev-sr5-dual-cab-pick-up-102707</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Tradies</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo Junior 2026 review: Ibrida | Toyota Corolla Cross rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/luxury/alfa-romeo-junior-ibrida-102681</link>
            <description><![CDATA[As its name implies, the Junior is a city-sized Alfa Romeo SUV and Ibrida is Italian for hybrid, which reflects this car&rsquo;s 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine working in concert with an electric motor housed in its six-speed dual-clutch auto transmission.But that Junior badge has history on various iterations of the much-admired 105-series Alfa GT coupe that polished the brand&rsquo;s sporty road and race car cred through the 1960s into the &lsquo;70s.So, is that bloodline strong enough to make an impact on the 21st century Junior? We spent a week behind the wheel to find out.Although it&rsquo;s classified as a &lsquo;light&rsquo; segment SUV, at $46,990, before on-road costs, the Junior Ibrida competes on price with next size up small hybrids like the Hyundai Kona Premium Hybrid ($45,950), Nissan Qashqai ST-L e-Power ($45,850), Renault Symbioz Esprit Alpine ($45,990), Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid S AWD ($47,590) and Toyota Corolla Cross GXL AWD ($44,190), all before on-road costs.2026 Alfa Romeo Junior standard feature highlightsWhen you&rsquo;re starting to give $50K cost-of-entry a nudge it&rsquo;s fair to expect a decent basket of standard fruit and included feature highlights for the Junior include:18-inch alloy wheelsLED matrix headlights (plus LED tail-lights and DRLs)Privacy glassLeather-trimmed steering wheelAlloy pedal covers10.25-inch multimedia screen10.25-inch instrument displayWireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlaySix-speaker audio (with digital radio)Climate control air (single-zone)Keyless entry and startPower-adjustable driver&rsquo;s seatHeated front seatsThat list&rsquo;s okay rather than outstanding for the money and relative to the competitors mentioned above.In terms of design, a car&rsquo;s looks are always subjective, but my two bob&rsquo;s worth on the Junior is&hellip; there&rsquo;s a lot going on.The nose has strong hints of traditional Alfa with the V-shaped grille, angled heritage typeface branding and offset licence plate.&nbsp;But then, the slim, angular LED headlights and DRLs as well as the big egg-crate vents lower down state their case for a more contemporary presentation.You may love it, but to me it looks like at least two styling teams couldn&rsquo;t resolve their differences.Other signature elements like the &lsquo;teledial&rsquo;-style wheels are in line with the rest of the current Alfa line-up and the rear is dominated by a horizontal tail-light graphic with a moustache-like droop at either end.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hints of classic Alfa RomeoInside there are more hints of classic Alfa in the dual-hooded shape of the instrument binnacle and racy red highlights through the cloth and synthetic leather seats and ambient lighting.It&rsquo;s a cozy cabin because at just under 4.2m long, close to 1.8m wide and 1.5m tall with a 2562mm wheelbase there&rsquo;s no denying the Junior&rsquo;s diminutive footprint.&nbsp;Up front, the car feels small and rear room is modest even for an SUV of this stature. At 183cm tall, sitting behind the driver&rsquo;s seat set to my position I&rsquo;ve got just enough legroom, although headroom is fine.Forget three full-size adults for anything other than short, awkward journeys in the rear. Up to mid-teenage kids will be fine, though.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And when it comes to storage, the front door bins are a decent size with room for medium bottles, there&rsquo;s a small-ish glove box, a lidded bin between the seats, an extra cavity with adjustable cupholders in front of it and a wireless charging bay ahead of that.&nbsp;&nbsp;2026 Alfa Romeo Junior rear space comes up short&nbsp;There are USB-C outlets front and back, but the rear space comes up short in terms of practicality. No door pockets, no fold-down armrest, no adjustable air vents and no cupholders. Backseaters have to make do with small map pockets on the back of the front seats. That&rsquo;s it.Over and above that, the interior feels insubstantial. Push that carefully shaped instrument hood]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[James Cleary]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/luxury/alfa-romeo-junior-ibrida-102681</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Luxury</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Porsche Cayenne 2026 review: Electric – Australian first drive | Polestar 3 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/porsche-cayenne-electric-102697</link>
            <description><![CDATA[If at first you don't succeed... Porsche is trying again with turning a popular SUV electric. But after the disappointment of the Macan, will the brand have better luck with its bigger Cayenne.
We test drive the new Porsche Cayenne Electric on-road, off-road, through sand dunes and even down an airstrip to put it to the ultimate test.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Ottley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/porsche-cayenne-electric-102697</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Genesis GV60 2026 review: Advanced RWD | BMW iX1 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/luxury/genesis-gv60-advanced-rwd-102656</link>
            <description><![CDATA[&ldquo;Wow, is that a Bentley?&rdquo;Our week with Hyundai Motor Group luxury brand Genesis&rsquo; GV60 provided its fair share of surprises.Yet the fact that onlookers mistook it for one of Britain&rsquo;s (via Volkswagen Group) finest wasn&rsquo;t actually one of them, given the blatant similarity with the badging and cross-hatch grille.Recently facelifted with a substantially lower starting price, the new base GV60 Series II enters a busier class of small electric SUVs from when the original launched in 2021.How does it play out today?&nbsp;The cheapest Genesis, for nowKicking off from $88,300 (all prices are before on-road costs), the GV60 Advanced rear-wheel drive (2WD) is now the most affordable new Genesis in Australia.But it remains a bit more expensive than most direct and more popular premium small electric SUV rivals, despite enduring a dramatic power cut from 234kW to 168kW.This includes the BMW iX1 AWD (from $77,900), as well as the substantially cheaper Mini Countryman SE, Renault Megane E-Tech, Volvo EX40 and Zeekr 7X.The Advanced claps back in a number of ways, however.For starters, it&rsquo;s one of the few electric SUVs in this class (along with the Renault and Zeekr) using a dedicated EV architecture (E-GMP), instead of sharing a platform with an internal combustion engine (ICE) sibling. This cuts compromise and pays dividends for efficiency.Secondly, the GV60 features 800-volt electrification rather than almost every other rivals&rsquo; 400V system, substantially speeding up charging. This is a remarkably sophisticated machine.And, thirdly, convenience items abound, with walk to/away central locking, heated front and rear outboard and vented electric front seating, a toasty steering wheel and powered tailgate.Other GV60 features include:A (bigger) battery at 84kWh offering 561km of WLTP rangeA (significantly larger) widescreen display at 27 inchesA heat-pump heater with driver-only zoning to help rangeMulti-level single-pedal drive using regenerative braking via paddle shiftersVehicle to Load (V2L) external appliance poweringFive years free servicingBackup Light Guide &ndash; a reverse-gear light projection on to the gutter to help avoid alloy wheel rashThe consensus is the Advanced neither looks nor feels like an entry-level proposition. Expensive, but worth it.&nbsp;In the shadow of its sistersThe facelifted GV60 remains an attractive, rounded compact SUV/crossover with a sporty premium hatch look.For 2026 it ushers in redesigned lighting elements, reprofiled bumpers, more body coloured trim, revised alloy wheels and a new underbody cover for improved aero efficiency.But the GV60 has always lived in the shadow of its somehow more glamourous E-GMP siblings, the elegant Hyundai Ioniq 5 and racy Kia EV6. Particularly as they cost significantly less.At least Genesis has been able to meet brand expectations inside.&nbsp;Worthwhile interior updatesThe GV60 seems more compact inside than other electric SUVs in its class, and even against the Ioniq 5 and EV6.However, the new elongated touchscreen with its improved graphics (whilst retaining button access functionality), sumptuous front seats, lovely steering wheel and quality materials do elevate it.Again, there&rsquo;s nothing base about the Advanced.Genesis also provides plenty of surprise and delight items, like that anti-gravel-rash kerb illuminator, drawer-style glovebox, tunnel storage under the centre console, strange swivelling gear-lever ball and secret storage thanks to a compartmentalised boot floor.Cargo capacity is limited by the coupe-like styling, so can&rsquo;t match a BMW iX1, though with 432 litres VDA (expandable to 1460L), it is far better than, say, a Mazda3 or Toyota Corolla.However, the lack of a spare wheel is a disappointment.&nbsp;Where the really good stuff lives&hellip;Under the bonnet is 53L of additional &lsquo;frunk&rsquo; storage, so that&rsquo;s also helpful.That&rsquo;s because the 168kW/350Nm electric motor is on the rear axle,]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Byron Mathioudakis]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/luxury/genesis-gv60-advanced-rwd-102656</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Luxury</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Used Volvo V70 review: 2008-2013]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/urban/volvo-v70-102635</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Before the first decade of the 21st century was up, there was evidence the cult of the SUV was well and truly gathering pace. Conventional sedans, hatchbacks and even station wagons were falling victim to the almighty SUV, and even station wagon stalwarts like Volvo were revisiting their future model plans.Which is why diverse Volvo V70 station wagon line-up of previous generations was pared back to just a single model &ndash; dubbed T6 AWD - for the 2008 launch of the third-gen V70. Gone were the cooking models and five-cylinder variants with and without turbochargers and in was a high-spec turbocharged six-cylinder V70 with all-wheel drive.In a packaging sense, this was still very much a classic Volvo wagon with a boxy outline and lots of room inside relative to its footprint. But the sharp-edged look of previous V70s was softened a little.And where did the previous V70&rsquo;s customers go for their next Volvo station wagon? To the new XC70, of course, with its jacked-up ride height, tacked on wheel arch extensions, range of trim and driveline options (including a then-sexy turbo-diesel option) and SUV persona.Which left the V70 with its more conventional looks and stance as some kind of orphan. Thing is, it was probably the better of the two Volvos to drive, with better suspension control and the lower ride height making it more dynamic.A facelift in 2010 brought a revised engine with slightly more power and a claim of better fuel efficiency.Is Volvo V70 a good car?In an overall sense, the V70 was a great car. It typified Volvo&rsquo;s approach to sensible car-making at a time when the company was being pushed into the fashion-driven SUV world. But when you consider that even a Volvo SUV was never going to be an off-road vehicle, the plane-Jane V70 is now the smarter buy.With a very similar all-wheel drive system to the XC70, the V70 is all but as competent on slippery or loose surfaces. And nobody has ever complained about the versatility or practicality of a Volvo two-box wagon.Volvo V70 reliabilityVolvo has made its name on reliability, but like any modern car, increasing complexity can take its toll on this aspect. Because of that, Volvo&rsquo;s once rock-solid reputation for going the distance had faded a little by the time the V70 came along, and it&rsquo;s fair to say overall reliability was no longer any better than most other mass-market European brands.Volvo&rsquo;s simpler (non-turbocharged, front-wheel drive) designs were much less likely to give trouble; proof that complex machinery is often more highly strung.Volvo V70 problemsThe biggest reliability glitch experienced by the V70 was a tendency for some engines to consume excess oil. In the worst cases, entire engines were being replaced under warranty, and you&rsquo;d like to think any V70s still out there have been fixed or never had the problem in the first place. A compression check prior to purchase would still be a good idea, however.Some V70s also suffered from poor shift quality in the transmission, and this was sometimes traced back to dirty fluid or a transmission that required a reflash. In a smaller number of cases, the clutches inside the transmission were subject to premature wear.Like any high-performance turbocharged engine, the turbo unit can have a finite lifespan and is almost considered a consumable item. Allow for this in your budget. The same goes for the individual ignition coils which can break down over time, and the V70 seems pretty hard on suspension bushes (probably a function of its 1800-plus kilo kerb mass) and all-wheel drive loads. Cars like this are also hard on brakes, but in the Volvo&rsquo;s case, the advice is to replace not just the brake pads but also the rotors at the same time. This can get pretty expensive.Make sure all the interior electronics work properly, too. If these are on the blink, you could be chasing intermittent problems for a long time.Volvo V70 recallDespite Volvo&rsquo;s reputation for building safe]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[David Morley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/urban/volvo-v70-102635</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Urban</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Cadillac Lyriq 2026 review: V | Audi Q6 e-tron rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/cadillac-lyriq-v-102687</link>
            <description><![CDATA[When the Cadillac Lyriq launched in Australia, it was met with mixed opinions from the road testers of this publication. The style, the price, the apparent target market - question marks above the latter in particular. Would anyone bite?Now, Cadillac&rsquo;s first EV in Australia has been updated and it brings a new model grade into the fold. This is the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V.&nbsp;The V denotes the American brand&rsquo;s V-Series performance models, think of it like BMW&rsquo;s M. What it means is the mid-size electric SUV now has the option of some bite, even if it lacks the bark, as well as a slightly more menacing look and some other little inclusions.Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system boasts 459kW and 880Nm instead of &lsquo;just&rsquo; 384kW/720Nm, useful for launching near-2.7 tonnes of US-sourced EV (built there in right-hand drive) to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds.You&rsquo;d expect to be paying a fair chunk for that then, especially given the Lyriq originally launched at more than $120,000 (though now $90,000). Not quite - Cadillac has managed to keep even the quicker version of the Lyriq under the six-figure mark at $99,000 before on-roads.What features and range does the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V have?One way it&rsquo;s managed this is keeping a fairly identical specification between the Sport and the V when it comes to the features and interior.It shares a 92kWh Lithium-ion battery with the Sport grade, now the only other Lyriq available with the Luxury grade gone, though the extra power at hand in the V means a 471km WLTP range instead of the 503km in the Sport.Cadillac says with its 7.4kW AC charging you can add around 32km of range an hour, or 98km per hour of charging with three-phase 22kW AC charging.When using its max 130kW DC charging, ten minutes will add 107km of range, though the brand doesn&rsquo;t supply a charge time for the standard 10-80 per cent charge. We&rsquo;d estimate about half an hour.Inside, the inclusions run almost the same as the Sport:Electrically adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage functionHeated rear seatsNappa leather upholsteryHeated steering wheelAmbient interior lightingAcoustic windshieldTri-zone climate control&nbsp;33.0-inch curved multimedia touchscreen with 9K capabilityRotary multimedia control23-speaker AKG sound system with Dolby Atmos3 USB-C portsWireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlayWireless phone chargingHow is the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V different from the Lyriq?Where it differs is one of the five drive modes - V-Mode with performance settings and launch control. There&rsquo;s also a set of adaptive dampers rather than the passive single-mode set on the Sport, plus the brakes are painted red. Sporty!The styling also features darker 22-inch wheels instead of silver 21s, and body-colour trim instead of the Sport&rsquo;s chrome. Of course, there&rsquo;s V-badging and interior trim elements too.Black Nappa leather and a combination of chrome, silver and wood-style trim makes the Lyriq&rsquo;s interior feel more classically upmarket than high-tech, but that seems to suit the brand.There&rsquo;s a wide screen that incorporates the driver display and multimedia touchscreen which is low and doesn&rsquo;t impact visibility while also fitting in nicely with the interior, plus there are plenty of physical buttons for controls including the climate and the multimedia. The latter includes a panel of buttons in the centre console and a scroll wheel, which feels like BMW or Mazda was the inspiration - not in any way a criticism as those systems were some of the best.There&rsquo;s also a Dolby Atmos feature in the already excellent sound system, though the highest quality audio can only be accessed through the native Amazon Music app and not via a phone mirroring player, which is a shame.2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V safety and ownershipIt shares the Sport&rsquo;s set of safety features including the six airbags, a little on the low side for a car this size with no]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Thompson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/cadillac-lyriq-v-102687</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Forthing Taikon 5 2026 review: Australian first drive | Geely EX5 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/forthing-taikon-5-102676</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Forthing is yet another new Chinese brand that has officially arrived Down Under. It's being imported by Ateco Automotive which also sells Renault, Ram and LDV in Australia. Forthing's first model in Australia is the Taikon 5, which is a mid-size SUV available in both electric and range-extender hybrid guises. Does it have enough pull to draw your attention away from a BYD, Chery or Geely?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jack Quick]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/forthing-taikon-5-102676</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Leapmotor B03X 2026 review: International first drive | BYD Atto 2 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/leapmotor-b03x-102671</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Leapmotor hasn&rsquo;t had the greatest start in Australia, with its first model, the C10, receiving a lukewarm response at best.Since then, each new model has represented a big leap, if you will, over that car. The B10 small SUV has been well received and the B05 hatch that&rsquo;s coming soon promises to be more of a driver&rsquo;s car.Later this year Leapmotor will introduce a smaller all-electric SUV, the B03X, that should further improve the brand&rsquo;s fortunes.It&rsquo;s already a hit in its native China where it dethroned the Tesla Model Y as the country&rsquo;s favourite electric SUV after a 15-month reign and European orders are also strong.It faces a challenge in Australia, though, as its competitors include the popular BYD Atto 2 and Jaecoo J5 EV. It is shorter in length than those two models, but roughly the same height and width. It will also be cross shopped with electric hatchbacks like the BYD Dolphin, GAC Aion UT, Geely EX2 and MG4 Urban.Priced to competeLeapmotor is ready for a fight, however. The brand confirmed the B03X will start from $30,000, drive-away, which will instantly make it the cheapest electric SUV in Australia when it arrives in the fourth quarter of 2026.Full pricing and spec is being kept under wraps until closer to the launch but the little EV will be offered in two model grades, both packing a 53kWh battery.Standard gear is generous and while we don&rsquo;t quite know what each grade will get, it should be offered with LED lights all around, remote entry via an app or NFC card, power folding and heated exterior mirrors, auto air conditioning, synthetic leather seats, heated front seats and steering wheel, power adjust front seats, ambient lighting, rain-sensing wipers and scheduled charging.  @carsguide.com.au Bargain alert! The 2026 Leapmotor B03X looks set to be Australia&rsquo;s cheapest electric SUV! It will be more affordable than the slightly larger BYD Atto 2 and Jaecoo J5 EV. #Leapmotor #LeapmotorB03X #EV #cartok #fyp &#9836; original sound - CarsGuide.com.au   Tech is covered with a 14.6-inch multimedia display housing most vehicle functions, an 8.8-inch driver&rsquo;s display, sat-nav, over-the-air updates and a 12-speaker audio system.In news that will be a relief to some, the B03X will also come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, unlike Leapmotor&rsquo;s first Australian model, the C10 SUV.Safety wise it comes with seven airbags and no less than 21 advanced driver assistance features as well as front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera.The Leapmotor lookLookswise it follows Leapmotor&rsquo;s design philosophy to a T. More than many other newer Chinese brands, Leapmotor&rsquo;s design flows neatly through each new model. There&rsquo;s a clear link between the C10, B10, B05 and now the B03X.It&rsquo;s a clean design and on the B03X that means no sharp lines - it&rsquo;s a rounded look at the front with an appealing headlight signature. Side on it looks tall with a chunky C-pillar and blacked out pillars and frames for a floating glasshouse look.Thankfully the B03X has hidden rather than pop-out exterior door handles which is a win. That&rsquo;s likely a response to China&rsquo;s crackdown on pop-out handles.The adorable LED tail-light signature looks like an open mouth and eyes, but not in a creepy way.It&rsquo;s what&rsquo;s inside that countsThe cutesy vibe continues in the cabin. You&rsquo;ll find a smiley-faced Leapy character - Leamotor&rsquo;s mascot - hidden in a number of spots in the front of the cabin.The interior design is relatively well executed. It&rsquo;s not groundbreaking but at least it adds a bit more than the cheap minimalism found in some rivals.There&rsquo;s plenty of soft-touch material on the doors and dash and the interior colour choices include darker hues as well as light greys mixed with a royal blue.Leapmotor claims there are 33 storage spaces in the entire car. I didn&rsquo;t count but that sounds like a lot.The power]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Nicholson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/leapmotor-b03x-102671</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Mazda 3 2026 review: G20 Touring hatchback | Toyota Corolla rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/urban/mazda-3-g20-touring-hatchback-102615</link>
            <description><![CDATA[In just a couple of years, it will have been a decade since the current Mazda 3 made its debut.In that time, it&rsquo;s outlived many a rival to remain one of just a couple of traditional hatchbacks on sale alongside the ever-present Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and, if you count it as a Cerato successor, the Kia K4.&nbsp;But how does the 2026 Mazda 3 feel in a new car market that looks very different to the late 2010s when it was just a pup?&nbsp;Refreshingly simple and tactile is the quick answer to that question. But let&rsquo;s get into why.The specific variant on test here is the Touring hatch, which is the top-spec as far as grades with the smaller 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine go.&nbsp;It starts from $35,410, before on-road costs, and can be had with the brand&rsquo;s Vision package for an extra $2000 to add surround-view parking cameras, front cross-traffic alert and driver monitoring as well as traffic support (lane and speed assist) and front parking sensors. It&rsquo;s worth adding, in my view.  @carsguide.com.au It&rsquo;s getting old now, but this is what makes the 2026 Mazda3 such a good small car even in its advanced years. Better-looking than a Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf or even an Audi A3? #mazda #hatchback #mazda3 #cartok #fyp &#9836; original sound  - CarsGuide.com.au   The Touring also scores:Leather upholstery&nbsp;Electric front seatsWireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlayWireless phone charging&nbsp;Keyless entry and push-button startDual-zone climate controlTwo USB-C ports10.25-inch multimedia touchscreenMultimedia control wheel7.0-inch TFT driver displayDigital radioSatellite navigationPaddle gear shiftersWhat&rsquo;s the 2026 Mazda 3&rsquo;s G20 engine like?Back to the engine, the 114kW/200Nm 2.0-litre petrol unit falls short on paper compared with the 2.5-litre engine also available (with 139kW/252Nm), but the Touring&rsquo;s outputs are adequate for a front-wheel drive hatchback.Its 5.9L/100km fuel consumption figure is where some might have doubts over the Mazda 3&rsquo;s suitability, especially when real-world driving returns a figure in the mid 7.0-litre region, but its lack of a hybrid option means it falls behind its contemporaries regardless of opinion.Still, its six-speed automatic torque-converter transmission is smooth and makes decent use of the modest four-pot.Testing the 2026 Mazda 3 on the roadThe real treat from behind the wheel is the steering and its ride, though. The Mazda 3 is almost a dynamic benchmark in terms of elevating a capable hatchback into one that&rsquo;s fun to drive without the assistance of more power.The 3&rsquo;s steering is direct and weighted just right to be engaging without being tiring, and there&rsquo;s a level of communication from the front wheels during dynamic driving that you won&rsquo;t find in a lot of new small cars.While the engine can seem like it&rsquo;s working hard at times, if you value a car with direct feedback and confidence-inspiring handling, the Mazda 3 will keep you happy. Stepping up to a G25 with the larger engine isn&rsquo;t a bad move, though.The seating position, control placement and general ergonomics of the cabin make doing anything on the move a breeze, especially the scroll wheel that operates the multimedia screen.It&rsquo;s on the way out in the next generation if the new Mazda CX-5 is anything to go by, which is a shame. It means not needing to lean and use the Mazda 3&rsquo;s touchscreen on the move and allows you to navigate both its (ageing but easy) native software or a phone mirroring system.The fourth-generation Mazda 3&rsquo;s design has aged wellSimilarly, the driver display is visually getting on in years, but it&rsquo;s elegant and shows you what you need to know. It&rsquo;s also housed in a perfectly shaped binnacle for looking at through the top of the steering wheel. It&rsquo;s one of the little things that make the interior of the Mazda 3 as impressive as the exterior when it comes to design.The sleek]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Thompson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/urban/mazda-3-g20-touring-hatchback-102615</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Urban</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Subaru Trailseeker 2026 review: AWD | Zeekr 7GT rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/family/subaru-trailseeker-awd-102590</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Subaru has launched an Outback... as an EV. The Trailseeker combines the Subaru adventuring spirit with electric capability. Is it a combo that will work? Time will tell.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Agar]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/family/subaru-trailseeker-awd-102590</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Family</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Used Hyundai iX35 review: 2010-2015]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/family/hyundai-ix35-102598</link>
            <description><![CDATA[We&rsquo;re not sure exactly what was going on in Hyundai&rsquo;s marketing department at the end of the first decade of this century, but somebody was definitely having two bob each way.Up until 2010, the Tucson had been Hyundai&rsquo;s mid-sized SUV entrant, but that badge disappeared the same year as the ix35 hit showrooms as the Tucson&rsquo;s replacement. But after just five years on sale, the ix35 was itself replaced by none other than the Tucson.Confused? Us too, but to keep it simple, if you&rsquo;re shopping for a Hyundai-made mid-sized SUV built between 2010 and 2015, the ix35 is the badge you need to look for.Meantime, leaving nomenclature out of it, the LM (as it was known internally) ix35 was a bread-and-butter kind of family SUV with familiar overall proportions and nothing too confronting mechanically.It could be had in three trim levels (Active, Elite and Highlander, in that order) and with a range of driveline options. There was a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 122kW, a 2.4-litre petrol with 130kW and a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel with 135kW and lots more torque than the petrol variants.The 2.0 petrol was available with either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission and was front-drive only. The 2.4 petrol and the turbo-diesel were fitted exclusively with the six-speed automatic and were all-wheel drive, although they used on-demand AWD, and operated as front-drivers in most conditions.Is Hyundai ix35 a good car?Conventional wisdom says late-model Hyundais are pretty stout things, even if they don&rsquo;t offer much in the way of driving excitement. The ix35 makes sense if all you want is a roomy (for its size) box with which to move people and their belongings. But even then, there are some reliability problems to note, and driveability was never anything better than average.Overall, there are better, more entertaining choices in a second-hand SUV of this type.Hyundai ix35 reliabilityAgain, it goes against the mood for this brand, but the ix35 did have some serious reliability issues that, even though they didn&rsquo;t affect every example, should make you weigh things up carefully before making a purchasing decision.Hyundai ix35 problemsSomething very wrong was going on in Hyundai&rsquo;s engine department at this point in history. All three of the ix35&rsquo;s engines suffered (to some extent) with some serious issues that saw Hyundai replacing entire engines under warranty in an attempt to stay in favour with its customers.The problems mainly centred around engines that consumed excess oil (to the point where some owners were caught out with empty sumps between services) and rattling engines that were signalling their death knock.The consensus is these problems were caused by poor manufacturing accuracy, leading to cylinder scoring, at which point the engines became noisy (particularly when cold) and started to burn oil. The fix was to either rebuild the engine with a new crankcase or, more commonly, replace the whole engine.Other issues reported over the years have been interior trim peeling (most notably steering wheel covers) and flaking paint caused by a bad batch of paint that affected other carmakers (including Toyota) and was traced to the top coat not adhering properly to the undercoat at the factory.Hyundai ix35 recallThis model Hyundai has had its share of recall notices over the years, some of them more serious than others, but a couple posing a definite safety risk. They include a recall to check the seat belt tensioning system, and a driver&rsquo;s airbag that could have been assembled incorrectly and not deploy as it was designed to.Leaks were another ix35 recall theme, with oil leaks from the sump, fuel leaks and transmission fluid leaks all creating recall notices. There was also a recall to check some cars for a brake system that could allow brake fluid to contaminate the ABS module, leading to braking problems.You can check out the full details including what batches of cars]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[David Morley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/family/hyundai-ix35-102598</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Family</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Mahindra XUV 3XO 2026 review: AX7L long-term | Part 2 | Suzuki Fronx rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/urban/mahindra-xuv-3xo-ax7l-102636</link>
            <description><![CDATA[It&rsquo;s our last chapter with the XUV 3XO - Mahindra&rsquo;s super-affordable small SUV.We&rsquo;ve covered three months and a couple of thousand kays in this diminutive thing, and it&rsquo;s largely served its purpose as my daily runabout, with a few freeway kilometres thrown in for good measure.I&rsquo;ve had friends and family ride along, I&rsquo;ve packed the boot to its absolute capacity and I&rsquo;ve fueled it up regularly. I&rsquo;ve found annoyances and things I love about it along the way.Now, having handed the keys to my affordable little Mahindra SUV long-termer back, would I&nbsp;recommend it to someone looking for an affordable entry-level car? Read on to find out.Top features of the Mahindra XUV 3XOOverwhelmingly the thing I&rsquo;ve liked about this little car is how simple and straightforward it is. Unlike many of its rivals which are full of convoluted software, annoying over-thought features, and sometimes deal-breakingly intrusive driver aids, the XUV 3XO is the kind of car you can just hop in and go without thinking about it.It has a physical start switch, a simple shifter, familiar and logically-placed switchgear and sensible ergonomics.These things shouldn&rsquo;t be a flex in 2026, but because so many rivals from China seem insistent on touchscreen dependency, cost-cutting disguised as minimalism, and tech for tech&rsquo;s sake, the Mahindra is refreshing to use.In some ways I think of it as the successor to once-affordable small cars from Japan which were like this.The primary cost you&rsquo;ll pay is that it isn&rsquo;t as fancy or up-to-date as some rivals. It&rsquo;s a shame there&rsquo;s no hybrid powertrain option for example, and the screens feel small compared to rivals. For someone just looking for zero learning curve, though, this could be the small car antidote you need, especially at this one&rsquo;s keen $26,990, drive-away price.Still, it has all the basic kit you really need, with some luxuries like a wireless phone charger and wireless phone connectivity. Small, traditional spec details ignored by a lot of cars at this cheap end of the spectrum have been thought of, too. For example, the 3X0 doesn&rsquo;t get a cheap or no-name tyre package, featuring a nice set of Goodyears which soak up bumps pretty well and provide an appropriate amount of traction, even when the little turbo engine is pushed.Styling proved controversialI said in my last chapter I think the Mahindra XUV 3XO is sharply-styled and certainly Mahindra&rsquo;s best looking product.Some folks I took for a ride-along disagreed, with opinions ranging from &lsquo;weird&rsquo; to &lsquo;ugly&rsquo;. I really like that it comes in fun colours, but apparently you all want to stick to monochrome because I was told the &lsquo;Citrine Yellow&rsquo; my car came in was "too much like mustard".Then again, I also think the concept of &lsquo;resale&rsquo; is the most boring one to curse a lot of modern cars. Annoyingly, if you want the Citrine Yellow, Dune Beige, or Nebula Blue colours you have to splash for this top-spec AX7L version, as the base AX5L comes in the usual palette.Apparently people care about this &lsquo;resale&rsquo; concept less these days, too, because they seem willing to take a chance on a new Chinese brand over brands which traditionally perform well in this department like Honda, Mitsubishi and Toyota.If you&rsquo;re considering the Mahindra get the fun colours, this brand is hardly known for its great residuals.The XUV 3XO is more practical than you&rsquo;d thinkOne thing universally praised by friends and family is the impressive amount of room on the inside of this little Mahindra despite its modest footprint.At 182cm tall I am easily able to find a comfortable driving position, but I also fit behind my own driving position with a small amount of airspace for my knees. Plus, the back of the front seat is clad in soft finishes, so even if you were taller than me, at least your knees will be pressing against]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tom White]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/urban/mahindra-xuv-3xo-ax7l-102636</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Urban</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Used Mazda RX-8 review: 2003-2011]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/used-mazda-rx-8-review-2003-2011-102581</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Everybody remembers the Mazda RX-7. With its sexy looks and turbine-smooth rotary engine, it (and the rotary Mazdas that went before it) has a cult following.But what about the RX-8? With its somewhat odd looks and layout (including small, reverse-opening rear doors) even a newer version of the rotary engine couldn&rsquo;t really save it from obscurity. Relative to the RX-7, anyway.It&rsquo;s hard to know, therefore, whether to categorise the RX-8 as a two or four-door and that&rsquo;s a pretty good metaphor for the whole thing; people didn&rsquo;t understand it then and have largely forgotten about it now.As a used-car, what the RX-8 mostly has to offer is a point of difference. That little rotary engine will spin happily from one end of the tachometer to the other and it&rsquo;s an engaging car to drive provided you can live with a manual gearbox. In automatic form, the car lost power and was overall a bit dull.Beyond that, it&rsquo;s another Japanese coupe that is now definitely middle-aged and potentially well past its best. Which means the purchase of a used one requires much skill and judgment.The RX-8 is known internally as the FE model.Is Mazda RX-8 a good car?The RX-8&rsquo;s biggest selling point (then and now) is its rotary engine. Unlike conventional engines with pistons moving up and down, the rotary uses rotating segments that make for supremely smooth operation and brilliant power relative to its capacity.If that floats your boat, the Mazda will appeal. But if you&rsquo;re looking for the sort of style for which Japanese coupes are famous, then the odd looks of the RX-8 might be a disappointment.And even though the turbocharged rotary engine has earned a reputation as a giant-killer in performance terms, in the heavier RX-8 with its non-turbocharged engine, it&rsquo;s not a remarkable performer at all. Entertaining, sure, but fast? No.Mazda RX-8 reliabilityLike all rotary-powered Mazdas, there&rsquo;s a huge question mark over the long-term reliability, particularly under the bonnet. The rest of the package is less problematic, but a trashed engine in an RX-8 could easily cost more than the car is actually worth.Mazda RX-8 problemsWhile technically interesting and great fun to thrash along, the Mazda&rsquo;s rotary engine can be a bit fragile. It requires very specific oil (some of which will be consumed in normal operation) and can wear very quickly, especially if it&rsquo;s been driven hard or suffered maintenance neglect.Wear will show up as a loss of engine compression, so a compression test should be part of any pre-purchase inspection. Internal seals can wear and fail at which point the engine can be very difficult to start.Owners have also found out the hard way that the rotary engine (even in good condition) doesn&rsquo;t like to be switched off until it has warmed up. If it has been switched off before attaining operating temperature, raw fuel can flood the engine, breaking the seal between the metal parts and causing a loss of compression and hard starting. It&rsquo;s important to determine what&rsquo;s causing any loss of compression, but in reality, every RX-8 engine needs to be approached with caution.The RX-8 also attracted a type of buyer who was keen to extract every ounce of performance out of the car. As such, crash damage is a real possibility. Check for any mis-match between panel colours and make sure all the panel gaps are straight and uniform. Take a close look underneath for evidence of damage and be very wary of any modified example. Many owners extracted huge power by modifying these engines, but the end result was often a hand grenade missing its pin.The RX-8 can also be hard on clutches, so make sure there&rsquo;s no shuddering or slipping from the clutch when taking off.A full and up to date service record is an absolute must with a Mazda RX-8 and any modifications to the driveline must be checked closely.Beyond that, be sure to check that all the electrical gear works properly,]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[David Morley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/used-mazda-rx-8-review-2003-2011-102581</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Review</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Skoda Elroq 2026 review: 60 Select long-term | Part 3 | Kia EV3 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/skoda-elroq-60-select-long-term-part-3-102375</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Three months with the MY26 Skoda Elroq Select 60 have come and gone in the blink of an eye.The segment-straddling, fully-electric SUV has been a pleasure to &lsquo;own&rsquo; because of its city-friendly size that would surely make Goldilocks blush.But there is more to the Elroq story than its practicality, as its European nature should mean it is also one for the keen drivers. But is it?That is what we are going to find out in this third instalment of our long-term review of the entry-level Select 60.In part one we detailed its relatively keen pricing and surprisingly high specification, while the second explored its Euro design and aforementioned practicality. To find out more click the links directly below.Now, it is time to go for a drive before I deliver my overall verdict on the Elroq. Let&rsquo;s go!An EV you&rsquo;ll actually want to driveSimply put, the Elroq is a joy to drive.A lot of EVs these days are not particularly engaging behind the wheel, but this Czech model flips the script with its well-balanced ride and handling.The Elroq Select 60 may lack adaptive dampers, but its MacPherson-strut front and multi-link rear suspension delivers a level of suppleness over potholes and speed bumps &ndash; without being too soft like a lot of its new Chinese competitors. Some would say it is firm, but it is definitely not jarring.At the same time the Elroq maintains good body control when pushed hard through your favourite set of corners, enough that you will want to drive around them again.Handling in general is strong, offering plenty of confidence, with grip plentiful despite the rear-wheel drive set-up, which is a rarity in the small-car segment.RWD is much more fun than front-wheel drive, as you&rsquo;re pushed out of corners rather than pulled, plus there is, generally, the benefit of a tighter turning circle, which is perfect for the city.The electric power steering is nice and direct, albeit on the lighter side when it comes to weighting, but I don't mind it around town, where it makes low-speed manoeuvres, like parking, much easier to execute.The steering wheel is a little too thin for my liking, but I got used to it quickly enough.The MY26 Select 60 on test here only produces 150kW and 310Nm from its single electric motor, which is a significant 60kW/235Nm short of other Elroq variants.As a result, the Select 60&rsquo;s 0-100km/h sprint time of eight seconds flat is 1.4 seconds slower than the other Elroq variants, which you will certainly notice when merging onto or overtaking on the highway.But the reality is most of your acceleration in the Select 60 will be to 40-60km/h and in those instances it will feel very spritely, as most EVs do.Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels are predictably good, given the Elroq is an EV that operates almost silently.Some road and tyre noise can be heard at higher speeds, but it thankfully never drones.You have to use both of the pedalsWhere the MY26 Elroq disappoints, though, is with its regenerative braking.Two levels are on offer, with the default the equivalent to engine braking in an internal-combustion model, while the B mode for the single-speed automatic transmission offers stronger energy recuperation.That said, the B mode is still not the equivalent of one-pedal driving, which is an EV signature I have sorely missed over the past three months.Thankfully, Skoda Australia has confirmed the Elroq&rsquo;s MY27 update introduces a one-pedal option, meaning new owners will be able to drive by just modulating the accelerator pedal.The performance of the friction brakes is strong, should you need to properly use the left pedal.However, the blending between the regenerative and friction braking could be better.Also, the friction brakes start to bite when the right pedal is partly depressed, which takes some getting used to.Active safety that won&rsquo;t annoy you &ndash; almostIn what seems to be a shock these days, the Elroq&rsquo;s advanced driver-assist systems are]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin Hilliard]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/skoda-elroq-60-select-long-term-part-3-102375</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Hyundai Palisade 2026 review: XRT Pro - Australian first drive | Ford Everest rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/adventure/hyundai-palisade-xrt-pro-102616</link>
            <description><![CDATA[For a long time, there has been &lsquo;proper&rsquo; off-road SUVs and then everything else.If you were an off-road enthusiast, you&rsquo;d only ever consider a ladder frame offering, like a Prado or an Everest, for example.Big, rugged, diesel and sometimes not the most comfortable thing to keep, they offer unmatched capability.Meanwhile, if you just wanted a comfortable family SUV there are no shortage of options, but almost all of them, AWD or not, are close to useless when the gravel gets loose or the mud is rutted.What if you wanted something in between, though? A comfortable family SUV with just enough ability to get you to some of the more adventurous places?That&rsquo;s what Hyundai is asking with this new Palisade XRT Pro.How much does the Palisade XRT Pro cost?This more capable version of the Palisade heralds a new era for Hyundai in Australia. It introduces the XRT Pro badge to our market, which Hyundai says is the off-road equivalent of its performance N division.Standard XRT cars will be option-packed to look a bit tougher, while XRT Pro versions will be distinct model grades with genuine enhancements to off-road ability.To that end, the XRT Pro sits in the middle of the Palisade line-up. Priced at $79,900, before on-road costs, it is more expensive than the base Elite hybrid, but below the luxury-spec Calligraphy grades. It is only available in the mainstream eight-seat (2+3+3) layout.It&rsquo;s tough to pick rivals for the Palisade because it&rsquo;s unique in the market now the Nissan Pathfinder and VW Touareg are gone. It offers more interior space than a Ford Everest (Tremor - $79,990) or Isuzu MU-X (X-Terrain - $77,100) which it competes with on price, but doesn&rsquo;t quite offer that level of off-road ability despite its enhancements.What does the Palisade XRT Pro get over other variants?This new Palisade has a raft of enhancements and changes from the Elite or Calligraphy. One of the biggest ones is that it introduces a new engine option.Gone is the 2.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid set-up (245kW/460Nm combined) paired with a six-speed automatic. In its place is a more traditional 2.5-litre turbo-petrol non-hybrid (207kW/422Nm) and eight-speed automatic transmission.To enhance its off-road abilities, the XRT Pro also gets an automatic electronic limited slip differential on the rear axle, increased clearances (see table below), additional traction modes in the software (Mud, Sand and Snow), topped off with some excellent Continental all-terrain tyres from the factory, cladding modest 18-inch wheels.It even has real chassis-mounted recovery hooks as part of its revised bumper design.In addition, its eight-speed auto allows additional towing capacity, but only by 200 kilos to a new total of 2200kg (albeit with a 160kg tow ball download).Outside, it gets a unique bodykit to help enhance its clearances, while inside it gets synthetic leather trim with XRT graphics and seat stitching.Is the Palisade XRT Pro any good off-road?So, do all those enhancements make a difference, and does it compromise the Palisade on-road to get there?We sampled the car on- and off-road to find out.The big SUV&rsquo;s upgrades make a big difference. While it might not have the same wheel travel and lacks low-range gearing or a manually-lockable rear differential which define the ability of most diesel ladder frame options, the XRT Pro will get you in and out of some tough terrain.The enhancements to ground clearance gives it a surprising amount of ability to clamber over objects, while the tyre package offers a much better level of grip on loose surfaces than the usual SUV tyre which ships on a car like this.The limited slip rear differential is the real star of the show, though. It&rsquo;s a shame it is automatic, as a manual locking mode would allow more control in hairy situations, but it was the main factor for the big SUV climbing up slippery, angled surfaces, including muddy and rocky ones we tested it on.The drive modes help]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tom White]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/adventure/hyundai-palisade-xrt-pro-102616</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Adventure</dc:category>
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