Motor Torque with David Berthon

Nissan freshened its small Qashqai SUV range this year adding a new e-Power hybrid N-Design flagship at $58,990 drive-away – hybrid power now available on the two top spec Qashqai’s, petrol power on the lower grades. The 1.3-litre turbo petrol power on the four lower grades replaced on the hybrids by a variable compression 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo – and here the e-Power works differently to a conventional hybrid – the petrol engine purely powers a generator connected to a 2.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack – only the e-motor drives the front wheels. The drive experience is much like a pure electric SUV although at times you hear the petrol motor fire up to charge the battery. I’ve always highly regarded the Qashqai and this new e- Power N-Design further impressed with over a 900km range and a nice drive experience although the larger 20-inch alloy wheels and quality Michelin tyres can display a firmer ride. The Qashqai e-Power N-Design price is high, but this is a very well sorted small SUV with premium features and well sorted active safety prompts. Nissan making it more attractive by trimming previous high service costs and adding a 10-year/300,000km warranty including the battery provided its serviced by a Nissan dealer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nissan’s small Qashqai SUV was freshened earlier this year in a re-aligned model range with a new N-Design grade flagship with hybrid power standard – the Qashqai e-Power hybrid N-Design $58,990 drive-away. Nissan have added new technology and equipment, freshened the styling, at the same time cutting the previous rather high servicing costs and providing a longer warranty – but hybrid pricing remains high compared to petrol Qashqai models. However, the e-Power N-Design is packed with premium features – leather seats with massage function, a panoramic glass roof, 20-inch alloy wheels, a power tailgate and a most impressive digital dash and touchscreen, thankfully with a mix of buttons The 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo in the petrol models replaced by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo – and here the e-Power works differently to a conventional hybrid – the petrol engine purely powers a generator connected to a 2.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack – only the e-motor drives the front wheels – this hybrid system adds around 200 kilos over a conventional petrol Qashqai but it offers over a 900km driving range. Despite the e-Power hybrids exalted price tag the drive experience is very rewarding. Warranty including battery five-years unlimited km or an impressive 10-years/300,000km if serviced by a Nissan dealer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the last few years new car prices have scaled upwards perhaps most noticeable at the lower end of the market – if we go back to 2019 before the pandemic there were 52 model variants under the $20,000 barrier – today there is just one – the Kia Picanto hatch sport manual at $18,690. Manufacturers facing stringent new emission and safety regulations, higher costs and shifting exchange rates have not been able to maintain prices at the budget end of the new car market. Take Toyota for example – in 2019 its small Yaris hatchback retailed between $15,390 and $22,690 - today, it spans from $28,990 to $34,590. To counter its small car price rises Toyota is now concentrating on its Toyota Certified Pre-owned strategy, placing emphasis on certain warranties and certain conditions of quality with its dealers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chinese government is set to tighten controls on electric vehicles bound for export markets. In a mover similar to that applied to combustion- powered and hybrid vehicles the Chinese will introduce conditional export approval measures on EV’s from the start of next year. The idea being to improve the perception of its low-cost EV’s, the export controls designed to lift the quality of vehicles leaving China. In doing so the move could end the price wars at the most affordable end of the market here which has seen a number of the new Chinese entries this year heavily discounted. The rapid growth of Chinese car exports has raised concerns within China’s Ministry of Commerce with the goal of lifting the countries reputation in emerging markets where low-cost vehicles are often rushed to market without proper support for owners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving Renault’s Megane E-Tech SUV – a small French SUV with a difference, setting it apart from the look alike new breed of Chinese electric cars. At $54,990 plus on-road costs more than competitive, cheaper than Volvo’s EX30 and in a way more charming. The styling impressive, hatch like with large 20-inch wheels tucked into the corners. Step inside and it breathes clever design, quality materials and individuality. With a lightweight 60kWh battery feeding a single electric motor driving the front wheels it offers a driving range of 454Km which I found accurate. Relatively light for an electric car with a slim lightweight battery under the floor I found the energy consumption excellent at 14.1 kWh/100km. Electric cars tend to ride harder` due to battery weight – not so for the Megane E-Tech, extremely comfortable helped by great seats although disappointing only with manual adjustment. Welcome five-star safety plus four available drive modes that noticeably change the complexion of the drive, while steering feel is a high point. As I said earlier, it feels more premium in all it does apart from some tyre roar on courser road surfaces. I came away very impressed with this electric Renault Megane – appealingly different and a classy small French SUV.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At last, a French car this week – I was really looking forward to driving the Renault Megane E-Tech SUV. Visually, this electric Megane has a great silhouette more like a hatchback with large 20-inch alloys tucked right into the corners, the styling impressive and giving it a more premium feel although the resultant high tail tends to limit rear visibility. With a 60kWh battery pack feeding a single electric motor with 160kW and 320Nm of torque driving through the front wheels it offers a driving range of 454Km. Step in and your immediately impressed with a quality and functional interior with great finishes. A wide 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and interconnected 9-inch multimedia touchscreen thankfully combine with switchgear to make it all very user friendly, something the Chinese newcomers could well learn from. There’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual zone climate control, wireless phone charging, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. At $54,990 plus on-road costs the Megane E-Tech is well priced, with combination cloth and leather seats that offer great comfort but lack power adjustment while the interior is a standout in design. Warranty underdone at five-years/100,000km, battery warranty 8- years/160,000km.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chinese Leapmotor B10 will claim the title of the most affordable electric SUV when it goes on sale next month priced from $38,990 drive- away. The small B10 SUV follows the larger Leapmotor C10 launched late last year and will arrive in two models – the B10 Style will offer a 361km range under WLTP standards and feature a 56.2kWhour battery pack while the B10 Design LR with larger 67.1kWhour battery and a 434km range will sell for $41,990 drive-away. Standard features on the entry B10 Style include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a fixed glass roof, wireless phone charger, and a 360-degree camera with built-in dash cam. Leapmotor is part backed by the Stellantis Group. One hopes the Leapmotor B10 is better tailored to our market and doesn’t have the larger C10’s annoying driver assist warning features.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to a report published in Autocar, Bentley is the latest company to back pedal on plans to go fully electric – the luxury brand said to be planning pure petrol successors to its Continental GT, Flying Spur and Bentayga SUV. The move reverses the decision it announced in 2022 that it would move to pure electric production by the end of the decade. Porsche and Audi have already announced similar plans with the three companies under the Volkswagen Group sharing platforms, drivetrains and other componentry. It appears the decision by Bentley reflects a dip in demand from key markets including North America and the Middle East where there is a lack of support for an all-electric strategy. Other luxury manufacturers delaying an all-electric strategy include Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, BMW and Mercedes-Benz no word yet on whether Jaguar will do likewise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the Lexus GX550 4WD seven-seat wagon – it comes in three grades the entry Luxury, the mid-spec Overtrail and the flagship sports luxury. I drove the entry GX550 Luxury at $130,554 drive-away which shares its underpinnings with the Toyota LandCruiser Prado, but instead of the 2.8- litre diesel engine the GX550 is powered by a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine linked to a 10-speed automatic. A 21/2 tonne permanent all-wheel- drive the Lexus GX550 is a serious 4WD and Lexus has given this big 4WD the performance it deserves with 260kW of power and a healthy 650Nm of torque – the 10-speed gearbox silky smooth with the added ability to select different drive modes via a dial on the centre console. But despite its mechanical sophistication it still feels a large heavy 4WD around town and with the need for 95 grade premium fuel its far from fuel efficient. I managed 15.7L/100km around town. Despite its luxury pretensions however the Lexus GX550 still feels like a truck around town and obviously its best performance is off the beaten track. For this reason, whilst its highly equipped, there’s a number of luxury seven seat SUVs better suited to around town motoring for the same money.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the Lexus GX550 4WD – the GX550, a dressed-up luxury take on the popular Toyota Prado 4WD. Importantly, the Lexus GX550 is a full on 4WD not an SUV – it comes in three seven-seat grades- I tested the entry GX550 Luxury at $130,554 drive-away. It shares the Prado’s proven 4WD underpinnings but instead of the Prado’s 2.8-litre diesel the GX550 is powered by a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine paired with a 10-speed automatic - a full time 4WD with locking centre differential, so a serious off- roader despite its luxury pretensions. And that’s where I have trouble getting my head around it – its loaded with safety gear including nine airbags and a full list of active safety elements, and a number of elements to give it a luxury touch as you’d expect for $130,000. But it still feels and drives like a truck – heavy and cumbersome and best only in the rough – as an around town luxury cruiser it doesn’t work for me – too good to bash off road so why wouldn’t you just buy the more workmanlike Prado and save money. And if you want a luxury 7-seater there are far better car like luxury SUVs that better suit around town motoring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many years the Mitsubishi ASX SUV was the firm favourite at the most affordable end of the market - a new generation model is due in showrooms shortly albeit at much higher prices. Three models, the LS, Aspire and top level Exceed the new ASX range features a new 1.3-litre turbo four-cylinder engine paired to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. Prices start at $37,740 for the LS, $42,690 for the Aspire and top out at $46,490 for the Exceed. Mitsubishi claim fuel efficiency improvements of around 16 per cent compared to the outgoing 2.0-litre engine with a 19 per cent improvement in emissions. Once our biggest selling small SUV the Mitsubishi ASX has been outgunned this year by Hyundai’s Kona and by three Chinese SUV’s the MG ZS, the Haval Jolion and the Chery Tiggo 4.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade SUV arrives this month in one all-wheel drive high grade Calligraphy variant priced at $89,000 plus on-road costs – some $25,000 dearer that the most affordable version of the old model. To be available with all-wheel drive hybrid power and a choice of seven or eight seats the new Palisade will offer new technology, a larger body, a redesigned interior and higher equipment levels. Gone are the petrol V6 and turbo diesel four-cylinder engines, replaced with a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder aided by two electric motors and a 1.65kWhour battery pack. Output is rated at 245kW and 460Nm of torque driving all four-wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai claim fuel economy at 6.8L/100kms, down from 7.3L/100km for the diesel and 10.7L/100km for the petrol V6. Deliveries to dealers are expected over the next two weeks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the new six-generation Subaru Forester SUV – now in seven AWD models – four pure petrol and three petrol/hybrids. I drove the entry Forester hybrid – a new strong hybrid system has made a big difference to this popular constant all- wheel drive SUV – the previous Hybrid Forester was old generation technology and not very fuel efficient - the new system blending the trusty 2.5-litre boxer or flat four engine with a 90kW electric motor located at the rear inside the transmission allowing you to also motor off-road on electric power for short distances at speeds up to 30km/hour . The CVT automatic has 8 selectable manual modes. This all-new Subaru Forester Hybrid has an all-up range of over 1,000kms and I managed 7.1L/100km in a range of on-road around town driving. Ride and handling has benefited from a torsionally stiffer body, also a new electric power steering system makes for a far more engaging drive. The entry Subaru Forester Hybrid at $46,490 offers a huge improvement – little to criticise apart from a tyre repair kit due to the rear mounted battery pack which on a capable 4WD is a disappointment. Subaru’s top seller just gets better with each generation – a firm family favourite with a great track record.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the new Subaru Forester SUV – there’s now seven AWD models – four pure petrol and three petrol/hybrids. I drove the entry Forester Hybrid at $46,490, this latest Hybrid a big step up, far more refined, more equipment, more fuel efficient and with sharper ride and handling. Off-road ability a high point. The Forester remains Subaru’s best-seller, highly popular since its first arrived in 1997. The Hybrid’s petrol engine the trusty 2.5-litre boxer or flat four engine aided by a 90kW single electric motor located at the rear inside the transmission, an 8-speed CVT automatic transmission driving the Foresters symmetrical all- wheel drive system. The hybrid system vastly improved. The styling’s also been freshened and it needed to be – smoother, with more defined wheel arches, slim line running lights, a larger grille and LED headlights. Not too different inside with a new 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen that can show a thing or two to the Chinese newcomers on useability – very intuitive and user friendly with nice clear instrumentation. The cabin hasn’t varied much but it’s very comfortable, with good room for four with handy storage, the hybrid losing some luggage space due to the rear electric motor, and it disappointingly lacks a spare wheel, just a tyre repair kit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Volkswagen’s Polo has long been a firm favourite – the European five door hatch will gain a new model come November, a step-up model from the entry Life called the CityLife – this takes to four the number of models in the Polo range. It retains the frugal 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine linked to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. Priced at $32,790 plus on-road costs the Polo CityLife borrows some of the features of the more expensive Style grade such as keyless entry, park assist, 16-inch alloy wheels and a wireless phone charger. The Volkswagen Polo hatch comes with a high level of safety – seven airbags, a rear-view camera, driver attention alert, lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. Five-star ANCAP safety with 96 per cent adult occupant protection and 85 percent child occupant protection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Czech brand Skoda is adding to its latest Kodiaq SUV range with the arrival next month of the popular flagship Kodiaq RS. This performance skewed favourite representing up to 50 percent of Kodiaq sales promises much for $69,990, some $600 cheaper to the 2024 model. The latest Skoda Kodiaq seven-seat range starts with the entry Select at $54,990, the mid- range Sportline $58,990. The Kodiaq RS’s 2.0-litre turbo engine gets a power and torque boost and like the rest of the range a larger body with more room in the third row and more luggage space. Special RS features include retuned adaptive dampers and a progressive steering rack, larger 20-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, LED fog lights and taillights and a flat bottom steering wheel. But it’s the drivability of this Skoda favourite that makes it so appealing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the latest top end Range Rover P530 Autobiography 4WD – a simply stunning vehicle, the build quality on the test vehicle exceptional and one could argue at $349,000 it should be. However, keep in mind some upper luxury 4WD’s are twice this price yet the Range Rover Autobiography sets a benchmark. Once its won you over on fit, finish, comfort and materials its ability for a large 4WD on and off the road is simply astonishing. Powered by a BMW sourced 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 with an 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive and all wheel steering this 2585kg 4WD is breathtaking in the way in provides ride, handling, and comfort. Land Rover have now set a benchmark with the Range Rover that few have come close to. Given its bulk and weight its handling response on a winding road on 23-inch alloy wheels is very reassuring – a fully adaptive electronic suspension and all wheel steering makes it shrink around you, but we shouldn’t forget that Range Rover pioneered electronic air suspension back in 1992. I managed 14.4L/100km without driving for economy. This is one vehicle it is very easy to rave about, yes the price is eye watering but in upper luxury 4WD’s its simply the best.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, the Range Rover, more than 55 years on since its launch in June 1970, has more than earned its success and this upper luxury 4WD has set a benchmark that few have come close to. I’ve just driven the Range Rover P530 Autobiography 4WD at $349,000. And frankly, at that eyewatering price you’d expect it to be good, but it’s not just good its exceptional. Powered by a BMW sourced twin turbo 4.4-litre V8 with an 8- speed automatic, all-wheel drive and all wheel steering.2385kgs of upper luxury 4WD that is breathtaking in the way it provides ride and comfort. Few if any will venture off road, but I’ve driven these vehicles at Land Rover’s legendary off-road course in the U.K. in mud up to the door handles and they’re exceedingly capable. One criticism - some of the options fitted to my test vehicle should have been standard fare – charging another $1,000 for privacy glass and $360 for a luggage net seems petty when you’re paying a base price of $330,000. Everything about the interior of the Range Rover Autobiography however speaks luxury – top notch seats, materials, fit and finishers. Warranty, five years/unlimited km with complimentary servicing for five years/130,000kms. The best part the driving – details next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian New Car Assessment Program, better known as ANCAP has revealed new crash ratings for the popular Suzuki Swift and MG3 hatchbacks. Both fared badly in 1984 crash testing, the MG3 receiving a three-star rating, the Suzuki Swift just one star. The Swift result created an amount of controversy as European testing of the same model resulted in three stars. ANCAP had been informed of physical differences between locally supplied Swift models and those supplied to Europe. However, a second round of testing has now revealed the local Suzuki Swift is built to the same standard as its European counterpart. As to the MG3, now with improvements has gained a four-star rating with a word of caution – during a 50khm/hour head on crash test the right-side seat adjuster failed causing the seat to twist on impact revealing excessive force to the right leg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spanish performance brand Cupra has taken the axe to its Formentor VZe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV, cutting more than $20,000 off 2024 model year stock. Now $47,990 drive-away, down from around $67,990. The move follows a 70 per cent drop in sales following the removal of the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption in April, which cut around a third off the price of a plug-in hybrid when purchased through a novated lease. With a facelifted Formentor VZe hybrid due early next year Cupra Australia decided to slash remaining stock. The new model will increase the current models electric only range from 50 to 100km and feature a new 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and larger battery. What this large discount does to re- sale values long term however will be interesting to watch - the Formentor range Cupra’s biggest selling model.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.