Motor Torque with David Berthon

Driving Audi’s upper luxury SQ8 SUV – a coupe style SUV now with 4.0-litre twinturbo petrol V8 power. Unlike the seven-seat Audi SQ7, the sportier SQ8 is a five-seater with a sloped rear roof line, the SQ8 61mm shorter, 25mm wider and 85mmlower. An upper luxury SUV at $168,800 it sells in relatively small numbers. Adistinctive SUV with four-wheel steering, four-wheel drive powered as I said by a4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 driving through an 8-speed automatic. Visually bigand imposing with a wide stance sitting on 22 wheels it tips the scales at 2480kilos with a braked towing capacity of 3,500kilos. The interior best described assumptuous and built for comfort, Nappa leather quilted power heated and cooledseat, lashings of black piano finishes and two large touch screens, in this casesurprisingly user friendly. With a gutsy 770Nm of torque between 2 and 4,000 revsthe Audi SQ8 is a very docile driver about town with a cosseted ride andsurprisingly fuel efficient. But with its adaptive air suspension on an openwinding road it transforms into a taut driving machine offering amazing corneringstability and performance. Expensive yes but just so competent. I’m DavidBerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

German car maker Audi has 37 models in its portfolio, some very low volume like its upper luxury SQ8 TFSI SUV, a large boxy yet handsome coupe style SUV – now with 4-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 power – 373kW of power in fact driving through a conventional 8-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive. At $168,800 this is a specialist upper luxury SUV, big, sporty with a large footprint on the road, sitting on 22-inch wheels and an adaptive air suspension. Its wide with a wide track offering enormous confidence on a winding road with great stability. Despite it 2480 kilos it jumps to 100km/hour in just 4.1 seconds with braking to match. What I like about this luxury Audi SQ8 is its ability to be docile around town with a supple ride yet unleashed on a winding country road it provides sports car handling – sensors on the steering, chassis and adaptive air suspension translate inputs to the anti-roll bars and the overall stability for a large heavy SUV is amazing. Of course, drive it hard and economy suffers, up to 16L/100kms but on a softer throttle down to 11 litres when cruising. I found this Audi SQ8 SUV very hard to criticise. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent survey of 1,013 respondents by Finder has found more than half the motorists on the roads are guilty of multitasking while driving. The research found a wide variety of distractions that can put lives at risk – topping the list at 43 per cent was eating whilst driving, driving in thongs came in second at 20 percent. 13 per cent of respondents admitted to texting while driving, 11 per cent to accessing social media. 7 percent said they’d watched a TV show or a movie, 9 per cent had replied to an email and 6 per cent had applied makeup. 5 percent had even shaved behind the wheel. I’ve personally witnessed a driver on the M1 reading the newspaper on the steering wheel at 100km/hour. The survey proves that many drivers wrongly consider getting behind the wheel is a casual endeavour. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kia has finally launched its mid-sized EV5 SUV after it was delayed at the last minute due to some wheel and software updates. Very much a clone of the larger and highly awarded EV9 the EV5 arrives in three model grades, firstly as the Air and Earth models and followed in December by the GT-line. The standard range EV5 Air with a claimed range of 400Km is priced at $56,770 drive-away while the mid-grade EV5 Earth sells from $68,990 drive-away. The flagship all-wheel-drive GT line will sell from $75,990 drive-away. Kia Australia has undertaken extensive suspension tuning on the EV5 which is the Korean car company’s first model to be built in China for the local market utilising a lithium iron phosphate battery developed by BYD. Kia targeting an annual sales rate of 10,000 units for the electric SUV. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving Kia’s EV6 GT-line at $87,590, the third-tier model in the four-model rangewhich is now topped by the high-performance EV6 GT flagship at $99,590. Thedual motor GT-line however will satisfy most drivers looking for a performanceEV with a 0 to 100km/hour time of 5.2 seconds. Not bad when you consider it tipsthe scales at 2105 kilos. Yes, its premium priced which has no doubt slowedsales but it’s as good as it gets in a family sized electric SUV – offering less rangeat 484km compared to rear drive EV6 models at 528kms but I found the statedrange to be fairly accurate despite a mix of urban and country driving in hotconditions with the air-conditioning on. I’ve also driven the top spec high-performance EV6 GT – too hard-nosed for me - the GT seats hard andunaccommodating while its non-compliant suspension tune provides a too hardride for comfortable day to day use. However, as i said, the drive experience ofthe Kia EV6 GT-line will impress most new drivers – smooth, quiet with assuredhandling and a very comfortable ride and for me the one to own. An electric carwith great styling and presence and superbly built. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving Kia’s EV6 SUV today. The Kia EV6 comes in four models. I drove the EV6GT-line dual motor all-wheel-drive at $87,590 – powered by a 77.4kWh battery theGT-line with two electric motors and weighing 100 kilos heavier to the rear drivemodels provides 239kW and 605Nm of torque. Delivering a driving range of484km which I found most accurate with a mix of urban and country driving.Energy consumption varied and ran from around 15kWh/100km to18.5kWh/100km. Charging, on a standard 7kW home charger around 71/2 hours,on a 350kW fast charger if you can find one not in use around 20 minutes. The KiaEV6 styling a standout, sharp edge styling that gives it a premium feel and in myeyes it’s the best-looking EV on the market. Large well shod 20-inch alloy wheelsare tucked right into the body’s corners provide a very roomy interior with greatseats. Despite an impressive dash and instrumentation, the interior is somewhatbland in terms of finishes. Premium specified however with all the driving aidsand safety elements and Kia’s 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. The driveexperience of the Kia EV6 GT-line will impress most drivers. More drive details inmy next segment. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Skoda has reduced the price of its run-out small Kamiq automatic SUV to just $29,990 drive-away, its lowest price in more than three years. With a new Kamiq model now in showrooms Skoda Australia has applied the discount to the final 250 examples of the pre-update base model. The Kamiq is Skoda’s best seller and represents around a quarter of the Czech-based car brands sales here. Although year to date Kamiq sales are running 26 percent behind the same time last year. The price reduced model is also available with a special guaranteed future value finance program for $69 per week, at a 6.99 per cent interest rate over a 60-month term and a $2,990 deposit. Kamiq standard features include a rear-view camera, LED headlights, keyless entry and start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a full range of active driver assist functions. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s top-selling family carrier, the Kia Carnival people mover is the subjectof a recall notice relating to its power steering. A manufacturing fault in thewiring harness on 2024 model year Carnivals may affect the power steering. Atotal of 6155 Carnivals are affected by the recall notice which states “the mainwiring harness my come into contact with the steering column shaft and becomedamaged which may result in the loss of power assisted steering.” The recallaffects both petrol and hybrid versions of the Carnival across all variants. Ownersof affected vehicles will be contacted in writing asking them to contact their Kiadealer for an appointment to reposition the main wiring harness or if required toreplace it free of charge. VIN numbers of cars affected are listed on KiaAustralia’s recall info site. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the wheel of Lexus’ new compact and very attractive LBX SUV today – Idrove the LBX Sports Luxury all-wheel drive at $56,990 combining a 1.5-litrethree-cylinder petrol engine paired with dual electric motors with a combinedoutput of 100kW driving through a continuously variable transmission. The all-wheel-drive combination knocks the weight up to 1415kgs. A classy small SUVwhich Lexus Australia Chief John Pappas says, breaks new ground for Lexus andis proof luxury is not dictated by vehicle size. It is however tight in the rear, bestviewed as a personalised compact luxury two-seater. It’s no fire breather in thisheavier all-wheel drive Sports Luxury variant however with parent companyToyota’s enormous success with hybrid technology it offers a very satisfying andpractical hybrid performance with frugal economy – I managed a best of 4.6L/100with 91 grade petrol in mainly city driving. Few gripes, I don’t like Lexus interiordoor latches, their awkward at best and disappointingly there’s no aircon vents inthe rear. But the Lexus LBX really is a classy compact SUV, as I said earlierperfect for the lady in the house with five-year/unlimited km warranty and batterywarranty up to 10 years with annual hybrid dealer checks. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the small Lexus LBX SUV today, an attractive small hybrid luxury fivedoor SUV – three variants, the LBX Luxury front wheel drive at $47,550 and theLBX Sports Luxury, both front and all-wheel-drive, priced at $52,990 and $56,990respectively. The Lexus LBX a compact luxury cross-over SUV, a personalizedcompact SUV that’s rather tight in the rear, but with emphasis on luxury andfinishes that Toyota’s luxury brand always does well and it stands out on the roadespecially in the sonic copper colour as per the TV commercial. I drove theSports Luxury AWD with 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine paired with dualelectric motors, a fuel sipping assembly with a combined output of 100kW drivingthrough a CVT transmission. The interior with pseudo leather and suedeaccentuated trim looks classy, the dash with a well-designed and functionaltouch screen. Nice front seat comfort with roomy, comfortable eight-way powerseats not so in the rear which is best for kids. The Lexus LBX best perhaps as aclassy compact luxury SUV for the lady in the house. No spare wheel just a tyrerepair kit but it’s got all the active and passive safety gear and a 360-degreecamera. Drive details next. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electric vehicle sales may be currently on the wane however hybrid vehicle sales are enjoying boom conditions with 129,895 national sales in the first nine months, an increase of 87 percent on the same time last year. Petrol electric hybrid vehicles are clearly far more popular than plug-in hybrids which achieved 15,546 sales in the same period. Toyota which accounts for around 20 per cent of the total new vehicle market has had enormous success with its petrol/electric hybrid models which now represent around half its sales. Its RAV4 hybrid our top selling hybrid vehicle with 40,754 deliveries in the first nine months. Apart from the RAV4, Toyota now has five top selling petrol electric hybrids in Corolla, Camry, Kluger, Corolla Cross and Yaris Cross suggesting it has chosen the right sales strategy going forward. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent study by Compare the Market of 12 insurers have found the top fivebest-selling electric vehicles are 43 per cent more expensive to insure oversimilar sized combustion engine models. The comparison site found that manyEV motorists were paying higher premiums which obviously offset their benefitsof lower running costs. Hybrid vehicles have also been found to carry a premiumcompared to their petrol-only equivalents. Taking the top five best-selling EV’sand 12 car insurance providers you could be paying between $98 and $1,788more to insure your electric car. Electric vehicles are generally more expensive toinsure due to the battery pack which creates more complexity for repairers – insome cases the battery pack frame is a structural member of the car making itmore than likely the insurer will right the car off. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving Alfa Romeo stylish Tonale SUV – the Italian performance brand’s first small SUV. Two front wheel drive petrol mild hybrids, Ti and Veloce – I drove the highly equipped and sportier Veloce at $57,900, a sharply priced compact performance skewed SUV on larger 19-inch allow wheels. Alfa pairing a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with mild hybrid assistance driving through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. The Veloce also gaining an electronic adaptive suspension. After years of driving sporty Alfa cars how does the Tonale perform in a small SUV – Alfa’s hybrid system is unique in that it can drive the wheels up to 40km/hour. There’s three designated DNA drive modes - best in the D for Dynamic mode where it’s very lively but in the N or Natural mode and A for Advanced Efficiency mode the transition between hybrid and petrol power at times confuses the dual /clutch automatic – and creates a performance lag. Ride is on the firm side while steering is as good as it gets. Economy, 7L/100km on 95 RON petrol despite some fast open road touring. The Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce won’t appeal to everyone wanting a small premium SUV but it has a certain appeal, my wife actually fell in love with it. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving Alfa Romeo’s first small SUV today – the stylish Tonale now Alfa Romeo’s biggest seller. The Italian performance brand celebrating its 115th year has struggled here in recent years, but its first compact SUV has a chance to lift the brands profile, prices starting at a rather sharp $49,990 for the Ti model. Step up to the Tonale Veloce and its still very competitive at $57,900 – both models feature a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine paired with mild hybrid assistance driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. I tested the better equipped Veloce which gains larger 19-inch wheels, adaptive electronic suspension, Alcantara and faux leather trim and a swag of active safety systems including rear cross traffic alert, and a welcome 360-degree parking camera. The interior best described as cosy and functional with elements of Alfa Romeo sporty character evident in the instrumentation cluster, the Tonale more skewed as a personal urban SUV rather than a small family carrier with rear space tight – seating configured for four adults rather than five. Warranty: five years/unlimited kilometre. The Tonale a premium compact SUV sharply priced, appealingly different and well equipped but how does it drive – details next segment. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In recent months we’ve seen a number of Chinese electric car imports discount their products. The arrival of more Chinese brands in the next six months is behind the move as the competition intensifies. With the car market already subdued due to cost-of-living pressures and with electric car sales currently on a slide the discounts are set to continue putting pressure on the established competition. Spanish brand Cupra, which arrived on the market here in 2022 with non-negotiable pricing, has indicated it won’t be following the discounting trend with its small Born electric hatch suggesting it is worthy of a price premium – this despite the fact that after getting off with a flying start Cupra sales have slowed, down by 36 per cent against the same time last year – the small Cupra Born showing the biggest decline, down by 43 percent. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Go back several years and electric cars looked to have a big future with a strong surge of early adopters. And it was the same the world over. But this year sales have plateaued leaving many industry pundits pondering as to why. In February, the NRMA conducted an on-line survey with some 2079 motorists about their car buying habits, with a particular focus on EVs. They found that EVs have an image problem which in the eyes of new car buyers makes them seem inferior to internal combustion engined and hybrid vehicles, many are not convinced they’re the most environmentally friendly choice with 68 per cent also believing petrol and diesel vehicles easier to sell. Also found, while EV’s narrow the cost gap in terms of running expenses only 30 per cent of respondents believed they are the most economical option. I’m David Berthon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese brand Chery has released what it considers to be the best valuecompact SUV on the market with the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – the 1.5-litre turboautomatic Urban variant kicking off at $23,990 drive-away with 17-inch alloywheels, 7 airbags, a 360-degree camera, wireless Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto, Bluetooth connectivity rain sensing wipers, and a swag of driver assistfeatures. To sweeten the SUV’s arrival Chery Australia has a special introductoryfinance deal at $99 a week for the Urban model based on a 20 per cent depositand a comparison interest rate of 9.76 per cent. A higher equipped Tiggo 4 ProUltimate model is priced at $26,990 drive-away. This is the fourth model inCherry’s SUV line-up, the Chinese company enjoying sales growth to the end ofSeptember of 105 percent on the same time last year. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Volvo’s parent company scrapping plans recently to become fully electricby 2030 Volvo Australia has followed suit, dropping its previously announcedcommitment to an all-EV portfolio by 2026. The current tight economicconditions, slower than expected EV sales, a volatile market and a somewhatdiscontented dealer network is believed to be behind the change of heart by thelocal company. Volvo Sweden has now declared it will still have plug-in hybridand mild hybrid models in its range post 2030 after previously declaring it wouldbe fully EV by that date. Volvo Australia sales year-to date are 20.9 percent belowthe same time last year and whilst it currently carries electric models like thepopular new small EX30, buyers have shown a marked preference for the mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants in the range. I’m David Berthon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes you drive a new vehicle and from the very start it just impresses.Nissan’s small Qashqai SUV did this for me – just a great allrounder – I testedthe mid-spec ST-L, all models front wheel drive powered by a 1.3-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine linked to a CVT automatic, the drive experience a good onewith minimal slip through the continuously variable automatic generally offering anice blend of power and torque with three available drive modes– I managed6.5L/100km with mainly around town motoring, but it does need 95 gradepremium fuel. Importantly, the Nissan Qashqai feels light and nimble on road –Nissan have stripped a lot of weight out of this latest model, around 60 kilos,using many aluminium body panels yet with advanced stamping and weldingtechniques it has a 48 percent increase in structural rigidity. It feels so on roadwith excellent steering response, a somewhat effortless SUV to drive with 250Nmof torque from as low as 1600 revs. The ST-L a nice choice for a small familyhowever at $45,900 drive-away not the most affordable small SUV but its quality,well equipped and nicely packaged apart from the lack of a rear power door, justso handy when shopping. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nissan’s small Qashqai SUV impressed me recently. A great small SUVengineered by Nissan UK, and with lightweight aluminium body panels now 60kilos lighter yet 41 per cent torsionally stiffer – four front-wheel drive modelspowered by a 1.3-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder linked to a CVT automatic. I’dpreviously tested the top spec Ti but recently drove the next model down the ST-L, perhaps the Qashqai’s best seller at $45,900 driveaway, not the most affordablein small SUV’s but nevertheless well-equipped and packaged. The ST-L gaining 1-inch larger 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, heated combinationcloth / synthetic leather seats, power driver’s seat and manually adjustablepassenger seat, thankfully with height adjustment, front parking sensors, awireless smartphone charger, privacy glass, rear air vents but disappointinglylacking a rear power door which is just so handy. The Nissan Qashqai cabin wellsized and packaged for a small family with excellent ISOFIX child tether pointsand with above average boot space and importantly, a five-star ANCAP crashsafety rating. The Qashqai ST-L gains a great 12.3-inch touch screen, the usabilityand clarity of which is first class with great menus. Warranty five-year/unlimitedkm. Drive details next. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.