CAR ADVICE

A three model line-up, including the standalone Formentor crossover SUV, is set to launch locally in 2022 at prices between $40,000 and $60,000. Greg Kable gets the first look at a brand you will quickly become familiar with. What we love VZ5 performance is formidable Range and indicated pricing looks to be sharp VZ5’s drift mode is track-day ready What we don’t Progressive steering could be sharper at the limit Sporting ride and dynamic ability means firmness on poor surfaces VZ5 not for Australia… Cupra might not be a car brand you’re at all familiar with, but efforts are underway to ensure you soon will be. Operated by Spanish carmaker Seat, itself one of 12 different brands owned and run by Volkswagen, the three-year-old company has confirmed plans to enter the Australian market during the second quarter of 2022 with a three-strong range of models – a hatchback and two SUVs with various drivetrain options – positioned at t...

As a number of automotive companies experiment with non-negotiable fixed prices for new cars Australia, a special investigation by Drive has found the Top 12 mainstream brands have ruled it out. EXCLUSIVE In a major win for new-car buyers in Australia , the ability to drive a bargain is set to continue for the foreseeable future after the Top 12 mainstream automotive brands said “no” to a possible switch to non-negotiable fixed prices . A special investigation by Drive – which surveyed the Top 12 mainstream car companies in Australia which sell 80 per cent of new vehicles – found none are about to move to the fixed-price business model adopted by Japanese company Honda and German giant Mercedes-Benz . A number of other car companies were reportedly considering dipping into the dealer’s profit margin to offset the rising costs of vehicle technology, development, and manufacturing. However, plans for a more widespread adoption of fixed prices for new cars in Australi...

Nissan dealers are urging customers to get their orders in, so they can be at the front of the queue when delayed stock arrives next year. Nissan’s biggest model refresh in more than a decade is off to a stalled start after being struck by a fresh round of delays affecting the global automotive industry. The highly-anticipated, new-generation versions of the Nissan Qashqai small SUV and Nissan Pathfinder large family SUV were due in Australian showrooms at the start of 2022. However, a well-placed Nissan Australia insider says these two key models are now not due to arrive until closer to the middle of next year. The setback has prompted Nissan dealers to urge customers to order now so they can be at the front of the queue when the first shipments of the in-demand models begin to arrive in local showrooms. While the global semiconductor shortage has also impacted Toyota , Hyundai and Kia – among other automotive giants – Nissan also faces delays...

I’ve wanted a Jeep, CJ / Wrangler for as long as I can remember. So I am pleased to say I have no regrets in buying mine. Owner: Milan What we love Jeep Waves It’ll take you just about anywhere you want to go. I literally look forward to driving every time. What we don’t It’s noisy, everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) creaks or squeaks. I’ve wanted a Jeep, CJ/Wrangler for as long as I can remember. So I am pleased to say I have no regrets in buying mine. This Jeep was slightly used but never taken off road prior to my ownership. I’ve had it in Victoria high country as the snow was starting to fall, up to the headlights in river crossings, and fully loaded with wife, daughter and 3 weeks worth of clothes and what-not for a round trip to Uluru/Alice Springs. She likes a drink around town averaging mid-to-high 11’s (litres per 100 kilometres), but once on the open road, fuel consumption quickly drops to mid 10L/100km. Tech is pretty limi...

The new five-seat Jeep Grand Cherokee will replace its decade-old predecessor in Australia next year, with new technology and the option of plug-in hybrid power. 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee five-seater revealed in the US Due in Australian showrooms in the second half of 2022 New ‘4xe’ plug-in hybrid option joins petrol V6 10-inch entertainment screens and plush materials inside The new-generation, two-row 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee has made its full debut overnight, ahead of its arrival in Australian showrooms in the second half of 2022 . The first all-new Grand Cherokee in 11 years, the new five-seater follows its seven-seat Grand Cherokee L cousin unveiled earlier this year (due locally in early 2022, a delay from previous timing), and shares much of the six- and seven-seat Jeep’s sharper styling, tech-laden cabin, wide safety suite and, exclusive to the five-seater, a plug-in hybrid option. Australian prices for both models are yet to be confirmed, howeve...