Motor Torque with David Berthon

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the recently upgraded Honda Civic e:HEV-LX five door hatch at $55,900 drive-away not inexpensive but this is one very impressive small hybrid hatchback, highly equipped, frugal and with very engaging dynamics. A 2-0 litre petrol engine with two motor hybrid assistance driving through an electric CVT transmission. The hybrid power train most impressive, prioritising electric power and the move to petrol power under a heavier throttle is seamless quiet and refined. As I said earlier this is one of the best new cars I’ve driven in the last 12 months. Economy, in mainly city driving an impressive 5.0L/100km on 91 grade petrol. Battery charging when coasting and braking can be adjusted via the steering wheel shift paddles. And on top of 11 airbags a full suite of active safety elements via Honda Sensing technology. The drive experience engaging – on 18- inch alloy wheels with premium Michelin Pilot Sport tyres the driving dynamics are first class. Yes, it’s a little pricey at $55,900 drive-away but the Honda Civic e- HEV-L is loaded with equipment apart from a tyre repair kit and no spare wheel. Warranty five-years unlimited km warranty, battery warranty 8 years with service costs class leading – Just $597 over three years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the latest Honda Civic hatchback – a model that has evolved since the first generation arrived in 1972 – a small car that established a very strong reputation - the current series refreshed for 2025, the entry petrol engine retired, now in two hybrid variants plus the potent turbo Type R for performance buffs. The entry Civic Hybrid e:HEV- L $49,990 drive-away and the better-equipped Civic e:HEV-LX $55,900 drive-away which I drove. These latest Civics getting small mid- life styling updates - a new grille and bumper, new alloy wheels and a revised range of colours. Inside connected services have been updated with a new Google-based infotainment system. Overall, a very compelling small car package with engaging driving dynamics with clever internal packaging – roomy and well equipped in the e:HEV-LX with full leather interior, power front seats, full panoramic sunroof with power blind, and wireless phone charging. The 2.0-litre petrol engine joined by a two-motor hybrid system driving the front wheels via an electric CVT transmission. The hybrid powertrain prioritises electric running, the petrol engine kicking in only under load, and the transition is seamless. This Honda Civic feels premium in look and feel – simply one of the more impressive hatchbacks I’ve tested in recent times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking further on Ford Motor Company President and CEO Jim Farley and his comments on a recent podcast on Ford’s transformation to improve quality, get its electric vehicle business profitable and compete with Chinese car makers. Ford lost a staggering US $5 billion on EV sales last year and US$3.6 billon in the first three quarters this year. Farley however is determined to give Americans an EV they want, and which is affordable, adding “I was humbled when we took apart the first Tesla Model 3 and other Chinese vehicles – it was shocking what we found – the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E has 1.6 kilometres more electrical wiring to the Tesla, adding 70 pounds of unnecessary weight, requiring a more expensive and larger battery. His decision to create the separate division in the company, called Model e, was designed to address such issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The car industry here has long had a shortage of skilled mechanics, but it seems it also a problem in the US. Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley raised the issue last week saying he had 5,000 open mechanic positions available despite eye watering salaries of US$120,000, nearly double the American workers medium salary. And he suggested it’s not just Ford adding “we’re in trouble in this country and we are not talking about it enough - We have over a million openings in critical jobs, emergency services, trucking, factory workers, plumbers, electricians, and tradesmen. It’s a very serious thing.” He added, jobs in the trades made our country what it is, and allowed people like his grandfather, who worked on the Model T and was employee 389, to have good lives. Somehow, the story seems all too familiar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In June Peugeot released the latest edition of its 5008 SUV – the seven-seat hybrid , a stretched version of the popular 3008 hybrid – now featuring a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine aided by 48V mild hybrid assistance from a 15.6kW electric motor and 0.9kWhour battery – self charging the electric mode can operated for short periods at low speeds and is seamless in operation – I like three cylinder engines, but given the 5008’s weight the performance is best described as adequate – a little underwhelming at times when called on to really perform. In the high grade 5008 Premium GT hybrid I tested a visually striking SUV, very well equipped with Nappa leather seats and with great comfort levels in the Peugeot tradition. Ride and handling fine, the latter, on the sporty side with nicely weighted steering. Economy wise, I managed 6.7L/100km with mainly city driving – on the downside it also needs 95 octane premium unleaded. At $67,990 plus on-road costs the Peugeot 5008 GT Premium SUV is not inexpensive and there are other more affordable seven seat SUVs but it deserves to be on your shopping list. It lacks a spare wheel, only a tyre repair kit but apart from that a highly equipped premium SUV.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving a relative newcomer from Peugeot – the seven-seat 5008 GT premium hybrid SUV – a very stylish SUV from the French manufacturer – a stretched version of the latest 3008-model. The Peugeot 5008 utilises a relatively small 1.2- litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, aided by 48V mild hybrid assistance from a 15.6kW electric motor and a 0.9kWhour battery – the combination producing 107kW of power. Self-charging the electric mode operates for short periods at low speeds and is seamless in operation. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The GT Premium is the better equipped of the two 5008 hybrid models priced at $67,990 – a rather handsome 7- seater with Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, no less than six drive modes, massaging and ventilated 10-way power front seats, a swag of driver assist features, climate control aircon to all three seat rows and 19-inch alloy wheels. The interior practical and well thought out with good access to the third row and very comfortable seats. A great 21-inch curved digital instrument display but its sometimes slow to react while the odd shaped steering wheel is hard to position without blocking a lot of the instrumentation. Warranty five- years/unlimited km. Drive details next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In recent times we’ve seen an onslaught of new Chinese models and what seems like a continuing reduction in prices as the competition becomes more intense. By comparison the Korean brands, once cheap and cheerful have climbed up the pricing ladder – Hyundai has just launched a new generation 8-seat Palisade family SUV in one hybrid Calligraphy grade for $89,900 – a $14,000 leap in price over the previous Calligraphy Palisade – highly equipped and finished but one wonders how much the family vehicle market will accept such massive leaps in price. I’m also driving the new Hyundai Ioniq 9 an electric seven-seat luxury SUV, also in one high spec Calligraphy grade – beautifully finished but at $119,750 one wonders if a Hyundai can carry such an exalted price – time will tell I guess but it’s not expected to be a big seller.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another new Chinese car brand is about to hit the market – GAC Australia has confirmed its launching here with its Enzoom SUV – just one highly equipped model to start, the GAC Enzoom GL will compete with the likes of the MG ZS and GWM Haval Jolion in the small/medium SUV market – price around $30,000, powered by a 1.5-litre turbo four cylinder with 125kW and 270Nm of torque driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic – said to return 6.6/100km economy on the combined city/cycle. Equipment: a panoramic sunroof, faux leather trim, dual zone climate control, a powered and ventilated driver’s seat, 18-inch alloy wheels and wireless phone charging. I’ve been testing cars for 45 years and have never seen the car market more competitive with a swag of new models – but is it sustainable – only time will tell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the wheel of Hyundai’s small electric SUV – the Inster, this captivating light five-door SUV is quick to win you over – funky appealing looks, great colours, for both paint and trim, an incredibly spacious cabin for four adults and a great drive experience to boot. Three models, standard range 327km, extended range 360km while an extended Inster Cross version gaining some extra features. I drove the standard range Hyundai Inster with 42kWh battery which took 41/2 hours to charge on my 11kW home charger, on a 120kW fast charger just 30 minutes. Prices run from $39,000 to $45,000 so this is a small car with a big car price. Having said that the Hyundai Inster wins you over the more you drive it – the ladies in the house fell in love with its funkiness, its appealing interior and trim and its ease of driving and parking in a city environment. Its feels strong and solid despite its small dimensions and its extremely comfortable in both seat rows. Its appeal saw it win the 2025 World Electric Vehicle award in April, and it was a Gold winner in the 2025 Australian Good Design Awards – A very appealing light SUV – just a shame about the price.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving an interesting small SUV from Hyundai – the Hyundai Inster, an all- electric light five-door SUV – an interesting small package from the Korean manufacturer, a little funky inside and out, even futuristic. A city focused car, a model designed to give Hyundai a leg up in the battle with the sharply priced Chinese electric cars flooding the market. However, whilst it’s there most affordable model, from $39,000 plus on-road costs it will be a hard sell at that price for a very small SUV. Having said that its appeal, both visually and behind the wheel is captivating – its captures the imagination – ladies especially find it enormously appealing, as I said its funky with some great paint and trim colours, and for a small car it has amazing space for four adults. Three models, standard and extended range and an even funkier extended range Cross model. I drove the standard range Hyundai Inster with 42kWh battery providing a range of 327Kms – charge time on my 11kW home charger 41/2 hours from 10 percent. 30 minutes on a fast charger. With its compact dimensions and versatility, a perfect city car, so easy to drive and manoevre. Hyundai warranty five years/unlimited km, battery warranty 8 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Audi has returned the potent 2.0-litre turbo all-wheel drive edition of its A3 hatchback and sedan to its 2026 line-up. Not offered with the release of the 2025 A3 line-up earlier this year and previously known as the 40 TFSI, the A3 TFSI quattro 150kW S line will sell for $62,800 plus on-road costs. Available in Sportback or Sedan this all-wheel drive A3 matches a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Power output has increased by 10kW – Audi quoting a 0-100km/hour time of 6.3 seconds. All A3 grades now gain traffic sign recognition, an updated emergency braking system with intersection detection, and an improved automated parking system. The Audi A3 remains our best selling premium small car, selling 1547 examples to the end of September, outselling the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1 Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Subaru will shortly update their Solterra EV SUV and have heralded a $7,000 price cut on the more powerful model. The 2026 Solterrra now starts from $63,990 plus on road costs, down $6,000 while the top-spec AWD Touring model gets a $7,000 reduction to $69,990. The Solterra also gains a new dual motor all-wheel drive arrangement rated at 252kW, up from 160kW making it the most powerful production Subaru to offered to date. The 2026 models gain new front styling, a restyled rear bumper, revised 18 and 20- inch alloy wheels and new rear badging. Inside, a larger 14-inch touchscreen, dual 15-watt smartphone chargers and acoustic glass plus a driver’s knee airbag. The top grade also gains ventilated front seats and vehicle to load functionality. All models get faster AC home charging up to 22kW, up from the current 11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.