Car Sales
October Faction: BMW Set To Launch 4 Series Coupe.
BMW Australia has confirmed the 4 Series Coupe is set for an October 2020 launch date down under. There’s plenty to look at and plenty to like in this striking new machine.
BMW’s TwinPower turbo technology is applied to a pair of four cylinder engines and a six. BMW says the fours will produce 135kW and 300Nm for the 420i, 190kW and 400Nm for the 430i, and for the big six in the M440i 285kW and 500Nm. Autos are the super slick 8 speed Steptronics complete with steering wheel paddle shifts.
For those that prefer the personalisation aspect, BMW’s M Sport Package is ready and waiting. The already bold air intakes are increased in area, and matched at the rear by a large contoured apron. Underneath is the M Sport suspension and 19 inch M Sport M alloys, plus Cerium Grey external accents for the M440i and M Carbon exterior highlights can be optioned. Inside, comfort and safety has the extra touches of knee pads on either side of the centre console plus specific other touches.
BMW’s design team may have looked at the past for the future; the front sports a pair of striking yet familiar kidney grilles, with inspiration possibly from the art deco and pulp science magazines of the early part of the 20th century and nod towards their own BMW 3.0 CSi. There’s a heavier nod towards a vertically inclined styling, with a deeper reach towards the lower edge of the front apron. Inside is the newly added horizontal mesh material. There are assertive looking intakes on either side, and sit underneath LED headlights that sweep back deep into the upper edges of the front fenders. Adaptive swivelling adaptive LED with BMW Laserlight are optionable. Laserlight increases high beam range to over 500 metres at speeds of over 60 kilometres per hour.
The designers have looked at how the 4 Series Coupé can stand still and look fast and muscular. Elegant lines in curves and straight work together to pick out the frameless windows in the doors, the short front and rear overhangs, and emphasis the taut LED rear lights. The roofline is a metal wave, smooth, yet powerful. There has been subtle increases in size; there is an extra 128mm to 4,768, width is up by 27mm to 1,852, and a small height increase of just 6mm. It is now 1.383mm and makes the 4 Series 57mm lower than the 3 Series. The wheelbase is up by 41mm for2,581mm. Handling is sharpened by the increase in track with an extra 28mm up front, and 18mm for the rear.
Depending on model, integral head restraints will be fitted, with the rears eats sculpted for a 2+2 configuration. The front seats are a sports style, and the driver graps an M specific leather wheel. It’s a proper cockpit feel with a centre console that houses the Start/Stop button flowing high into the dash itself, and the door panel trim complements that of the instrument panel which is now a broader surface area design. Noise is reduced thanks to an acoustic glass windscreen.
Cabin tech arrives in the form of Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a SIM card for 4G LTE connectivity. The BMW Connected Package Professional brings in BMW’s Teleservices which includes the Intelligent Emergency Call, Reat Time Traffic Information, Concierge Services and Remote Services.
A built-in SIM card with 4G LTE connectivity and standard BMW Connected Package Professional enable use of digital services including BMW TeleServices and Intelligent Emergency Call, Real Time Traffic Information with hazard warning, Remote Services and Concierge Services. BMW’s 7.0 OS is standard too, with fully integrated digital access and information. The Live Cockpit Professional delivers a 12.3 inch driver’s screen and a 10.25 control display for the centre. There is also a Head Up Display as standard.
Pricing will be confirmed closer to the October launch date.
Medium AWD SUVs You Can Buy in 2020
With an even bigger range of Mid-size SUVs now available, the answer has to be ‘Why Not?’. Getting yourself into a new medium SUV is easier than ever with some good package deals, great warranties and service packages that are comprehensive. Got yourself a small family and like to get out on an adventure? Here is a list of all the medium SUVs on the market offering AWD.
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Stelvio AWD
Want some style? Alfa Romeo has got loads of ‘bravura’, ‘panache’ and ‘flair’. Three levels of trim are available for the Stelvio and you get to choose either diesel or petrol power. The new Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a smooth drive with great performance, handling and comfort. Want a decent luxury SUV? How about a look at the new Stelvio? Starting off with the Stelvio 2.0 AWD, here you get five seats, auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 148 kW, 330 Nm, 5-star safety and around 7.0 litres/100 km.
Next comes the Stelvio 2.2 TDi AWD which is similarly priced to the previous model. Here you get the five seats, auto, Diesel, 2.2-litre, 154 kW, 470 Nm, 5-star safety and 4.8 litres/100 km. Style, torque and low fuel bills are a given.
Punchy and fun to drive, the Stelvio 20 Ti AWD delivers five seats, auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 206 kW, 400 Nm, 5-star safety and 7.0 litres/100 km.
Audi
Audi Q5
Three forms of the 2020 Audi Q5 are available. The Audi Q5 TDI Quattro 140 Sport offers five seats, auto, diesel, 2.0-litre, 140 kW, 400 Nm, 5-star safety and a 5.1 litres/100 km figure.
Next is the Audi Q5 TDI Quattro 210 Sport with five seats, auto, Diesel, 3.0-litre, 210 kW, 620 Nm, 5-star safety and 6.0 litres/100 km. This is a phenomenally quick and satisfying SUV drive!
The most expensive new Audi Q5 with AWD is the TFSI Quattro 185 Sport model. Here you get five seats, auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 185 kW, 370 Nm, 5-star safety and 7.1 litres/100 km efficiency.
Steeping up to the Q5 from the Q3 means more space but without getting into massive territory. Drive a new Audi Q5 AWD and you get the prestigious Quattro underpinnings with clever technology. Luxury is aplenty, while the drive is always satisfying. You’ll also love the digital driver’s display, too.
BMW
BMW X3
The BMW X3 gets into mid-size SUV territory. The 2020 X3 is nice to look at, comfortable and practical. Two models are available with AWD: The BMW X3 xDrive 20d AWD with five seats, an 8-speed auto, diesel power, 2.0-litre, 140 kW, 400 Nm, 5-star safety and around 5.7 litres/100 km economy. The BMW X3 xDrive 30i AWD has five seats, an 8-speed auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 185 kW, 350 Nm, 5-star safety and around 7.8 litres/100 km economy.
BMW X4
You also get the choice of getting yourself into the sportier BMW X4 AWD models. The X4 has sleek lines and looks good. Practical interiors with nice trim and easy-on-the-eye materials all come together to make the new X4 a stylish and fun drive. The BMW X4 xDrive 20d AWD has five seats, auto, diesel, 2.0-litre, 140 kW, 400 Nm, 5-star safety and 5.8 litres/100 km fuel efficiency.
If you prefer petrol power, then the BMW X4 xDrive 30i AWD has five seats, auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 185 kW, 400 Nm, 5-star safety and around 7.8 litres/100 km credentials.
Ford
Ford Escape
A very nice medium-size AWD Ford SUV is offered. You are sure to find a model to suit your needs. Safe, practical and comfortable, the 2020 Ford Escape is a trusty companion capable of carrying the small family when needed and delivering crisp handling and great engines. Two engines power the five variants; so one is a 132 kW Diesel with 400 Nm of torque on offer and excellent fuel efficiency. The other engine is an Ecoboost petrol-fed unit that puts out 178 kW and 344 Nm of torque. This is a strong engine that performs very well. All models use a smooth shifting auto gearbox and come with 5-star safety. The models on offer include Trend, ST Line and Titanium trims.
Holden
Holden Equinox
Where Ford treads you’ll always find a Holden equivalent nearby, or maybe that should be the other way around!
Holden provides the comfortable and spacious Holden Equinox. Well equipped, loads of options, comfortable seating, plenty of space and 5-star safety are strong Equinox features. The LTZ-V AWD models get all the flashy equipment and are really nice vehicles to drive. Two engines are available; the petrol model uses a 188 kW 2.0-litre engine with 353 Nm of power. Expect around 8.4 litres/ 100 km for this one.
The other Equinox AWD engine is the 100 kW, turbo-diesel unit with 320 Nm of torque and a fuel efficiency figure around the 5.7 litres/100 km mark.
Honda
Honda CR-V
Well known and well-loved is the trusty Honda CR-V mid-size SUV. It is one of the original first mid-size SUVs, so it’s been around for a few decades now. Putting it right into the modern market place, the 2020 Honda CR-V AWD models are very roomy, comfortable and practical vehicles boasting loads of high-tech equipment as well as a seven-seat option. Good strong engines and smooth power delivery make the new Honda CR-V a nice drive. With the new Honda CR-V variants you get five/seven seats, auto, petrol, 1.5-litre, 140 kW, 240 Nm, 5-star safety and around 7.4 litres/100 km fuel efficiency.
Hyundai
Hyundai Tucson
Stylish new Hyundai Tucson models are available with AWD. Depending on the level of trim, there will be plenty of variants to suit your needs. Hyundai’s latest HTRAC AWD system allows toque to be delivered and distributed on demand to ensure that fuel efficiency is optimized. If you can get yourself into the Limited versions you are loaded to the hilt with modern features that include all the high-tech features some high-end luxury cars offer. The diesel engine is a real gem, while the petrol alternative is smooth and responsive. 1.6T AWD variants offer five seats, auto, petrol, 1.6-litre, 130 kW, 265 Nm, 5-star safety and around 7.7 litres/100 km efficiency. 2.0R AWD variants offer five seats, auto, diesel, 136 kW, 400 Nm, 5-star safety and around 6.8 litres/100 km efficiency.
Jaguar
Jaguar E-Pace
Jaguar enters the medium SUV market place with its highly desirable new range of E-Pace SUVs. Style, luxury and driving dynamics are all part of the special E-Pace package.
E-Pace D150 has 2.0-litre diesel power, 110 kW, 380 Nm and around 5.6 litres/100 km.
E-Pace P200 has 2.0-litre petrol power, 147 kW, 340 Nm and around 8.0 litres/100 km.
E-Pace 250 has 2.0-litre petrol power, 249 kW, 365 Nm and around 7.7 litres/100 km.
E-Pace R-Dynamic D180 has 2.0-litre diesel power, 180 kW, 430 Nm and around 5.6 litres/100 km.
E-Pace R-Dynamic P250 has 2.0-litre petrol power, 184 kW, 365 Nm and around 7.7 litres/100 km.
E-Pace R-Dynamic SE P250 has 2.0-litre petrol power, 184 kW, 365 Nm and around 7.7 litres/100 km.
E-Pace R-Dynamic SE P300 has 2.0-litre petrol power, 221 kW, 400 Nm and around 8.0 litres/100 km.
All models have a nice smooth auto gearbox, 5-star safety and are impressive to drive.
Jeep
Jeep Compass
A new Jeep Compass AWD won’t break the bank but it will tame the terrain. You are always going to look good in the new Jeep Compass which is just as happy scampering off on the school run as it is crossing a stream. Trailhawk models a serious off-road vehicles built for exploring trails and other off-road excursions. Inside a new Compass there is plenty of space with nice seat comfort. Premium safety features and plenty of equipment keep the Compass at the head of the field.
Jeep Compass Limited 4WD delivers five seats, auto, petrol, 2.4-litre, 129 kW, 229 Nm, 5-star safety and around 9.7-litres/100 km efficiency.
Jeep Compass Trailhawk 4WD offers five seats, auto, petrol, 2.4-litre, 129 kW, 229 Nm, 5-star safety and around 9.8-litres/100 km efficiency.
Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee is always a winner in the luxury medium SUV class. Recently spruced up and making a statement, both the Limited and Trailhawk models use the same strong 3.2-litre, 200 kW, petrol-fed motor with 315 Nm of torque. There is always plenty of power on tap, and the ride quality is smooth and comfortable. Off-road ability is outstanding. Plenty of space and equipment keep the drive relaxed and in control. A roomy five seats and 5-star safety completes the desirable package.
Kia
Kia Sportage
The good looking Kia Sportage is well appointed, comfortable and nice to drive. With tidy handling and a decent ride, the Sportage is proving popular. Try and get into the higher spec models and you’ll be sitting in an impressively comfortable, classy medium SUV.
The Kia Sportage 2.4-litre petrol variants (EX AWD, GT-Line AWD) use the same responsive 2.4-litre motor with 135 kW and 237 Nm. Expect around 8.5 litres/100 km fuel efficiency.
The Kia Sportage 2.0-litre diesel variants (LX AWD, LX Plus AWD, GT-Line AWD) have great power plants in the form of a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, 136 kW, 400 Nm motor. Excellent fuel economy sits at around 6.4 litres/100 km.
All models come with AWD, auto gearboxes and 5-star safety.
Land Rover
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Off-road kings, Land Rover, offer AWD medium SUV buyers the chance of getting into the legendary Land Rover Discovery Sport. Premium 4×4 technology and formidable off-road prowess has the 2020 Discovery tackling tough terrain in comfort and with ease. On-road ride and comfort is equally impressive, and engine performance is strong whatever the task. You also get the option of having seven seats, too. New infotainment technology and stylish interiors make travelling in a new Discovery very enjoyable.
P200 R-Dynamic S – 5 seats, auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 147 kW, 320 Nm, 5-star safety, 7.9 l/100 km.
P250 R-Dynamic S – 7 seats, auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 184 kW, 365 Nm, 5-star safety, 7.9 l/100 km.
D180 R-Dynamic S – 5 seats, auto, diesel, 2.0-litre, 132 kW, 430 Nm, 5-star safety, 5.6 l/100 km.
P250 R-Dynamic SE – 5+2 seats, auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 184 kW, 365 Nm, 5-star safety, 7.9 l/100 km.
D180 R-Dynamic SE – 5+2 seats, auto, diesel, 2.0-litre, 132 kW, 430 Nm, 5-star safety, 5.7 l/100 km.
Also under the Land Rover name is the very nice Range Rover Evoque. Style, luxury and off-road/onroad prowess makes this vehicle a premium choice.
Range Rover Evoque
P200 R-Dynamic S – 5 seats, auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 147 kW, 340 Nm, 5-star safety, 7.7 l/100 km.
D180 R-Dynamic SE – 5 seats, auto, diesel, 2.0-litre, 132 kW, 430 Nm, 5-star safety, 5.7 l/100 km.
P250 R-Dynamic SE – 5 seats, auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 184 kW, 365 Nm, 5-star safety, 7.9 l/100 km.
D180 R-Dynamic HSE – 5 seats, auto, diesel, 2.0-litre, 132 kW, 430 Nm, 5-star safety, 5.7 l/100 km.
P250 R-Dynamic SE – 5 seats, auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 184 kW, 365 Nm, 5-star safety, 7.9 l/100 km.
P300 R-Dynamic HSE – 5 seats, auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 221 kW, 400 Nm, 5-star safety, 8.1 l/100 km.
Lexus
Lexus NX
Balanced, sleek lines are part of the new 2020 Lexus NX AWD models. It has to be one of the classier looking mid-SUVs on the road, and with Lexus’s latest hybrid technology part of the model’s line-up you can have a luxury SUV ride, comfort and space with a fuel efficiency that brings you relief at the pump. Premium interior infotainment and technology, classy leather materials, and fit-and-finish that are second-to-none are all reasons why this is among the leading luxury SUV variants on the road. Excellent safety features and premium space add to the quality Lexus NX package, so the deal is 5-star safety and 5-seats. A smooth ride comfort and boasting plenty of grip all helps to make the new Lexus NX AWD SUV highly desirable.
One hybrid powertrain powers the NX 300h, NX 300h F-Sport and NX 300h Limited. This powerplant uses a CVT Auto, a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a combined output of 145 kW, 210 Nm and a fuel efficiency of around 5.7 litres/100 km.
The 2.0-litre Turbo petrol engine boasts 175 kW and 350 Nm to give plenty of grunt. Running with the 6-speed automatic gearbox, this set-up returns around 7.9 litres/100 km fuel usage.
Mahindra
Mahindra XUV500
Available as a highly appointed SUV, the new Mahindra XUV500 is spacious, comfortable and easy to drive. Good turbo-diesel power and economy should appeal to plenty of people after a well appointed AWD medium SUV.
The Mahindra XUV500 AWD W10 has seven seats, auto, diesel, 2.2-litres, 103 kW, 320 Nm, 4-star safety and around 8.1 litres/100 km fuel efficiency.
Mazda
Mazda CX-5
Petrol and diesel alternatives, classy looks and a nice drive to match, the Mazda CX-5 is popular for good reason. Hard to beat with so many pros including a competitive price makes the models in the Mazda CX-5 stable highly desirable.
The Mazda CX-5 GSX AWD Petrol and Limited AWD Petrol use the same engine, the only difference being in equipment levels. Both are five-seater, auto, 2.5-litre petrol, 140 kW, 252 Nm, 5-star safe, 7.4 litre/100 km mid-size SUVs.
The Mazda CX-5 GSX AWD and Limited AWD Diesel variants run with a 2.2 turbo-diesel motor boasting 140 kW, 450 Nm and 5.7 litres/100 km efficiency. These engines are some of the best in this class of vehicle. They are strong performers and very efficient.
The Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo has the 170 kW petrol variant with 420 Nm of torque. Smooth, punchy performance makes this a class act too.
Mercedes Benz
Mercedes Benz GLC
Mid-size Mercedes Benz SUVs are known as the GLC Series of vehicles. Luxurious, desirable, classy, safe and stylish are just some of the words used to describe this nice range of medium SUVs. Coupe styling is also on offer. They are pricey, but then they are very good.
All models seat five in comfort and use 9-speed automatic gearboxes. AMG models use a Speedshift gearbox. One hybrid model is available (300 e). Again, the GLC range of Mercedes Benz SUVs lead the way on the performance front; the AMG models deliver as much as 700 Nm from their 4.0-litre, 8-cylinder engines.
Mercedes Benz GLC models include the: 300 AWD, 300 e AWD, AMG 43 AWD, AMG 63S AWD, Coupe 300 AWD, Coupe AMG GLC 43 AWD, Coupe AMG GLC 63S AWD.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Two mid-size SUV models with AWD are available to the buyer.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross AWD in XLS and VRX forms offer five seats, auto, petrol, 1.5-litres, 112 kW, 254 Nm, 5-star safety and around 7.7 litres/100 km. The turbo engine and the very good eight step CVT are matched really well for an enjoyable drive while delivering a refined ride and comfortable transport. Loaded with the latest infotainment and safety goodies you’ll enjoy the Eclipse Cross’s nice modern looks and classy cabins.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander has been a go-to mid-size SUV for quite some time now, and with its latest offering it remains a highly competent medium SUV. Petrol, hybrid and now a new Diesel engine give the Outlander plenty of clout. Underpinning the Outlander is an excellent AWD system that manages slippery conditions with ease. CVT and conventional auto gearboxes are available.
So, LS, XLS, XLS Sport and VRX versions run with a 2.4-litre, 126 kW, 224 Nm petrol powerplant that offers around 7.2 litres/100 km efficiency. All are CVT, however you can choose the VRX with a 6-speed auto if you prefer.
With 366 Nm of torque and a very good all-round fuel efficiency of somewhere in the vicinity of 6.2 litres, the XLS and VRX can be had with this excellent turbo-diesel motor delivering 112 kW of peak power. This makes a strong case for those on the look out for a reasonably priced diesel powered mid-size SUV.
Ready to be blown away? Those in the know, will already be enjoying the Mitsubishi Outlander in PHEV form. Why? Under the hood is probably the best petrol/ev combination for any of the mid-size SUVs in 2020. Luxurious and well appointed, the PHEV also manage to get as low as 1.9 litres/100 km! Enough said…
Nissan
Nissan X-Trail
People are loving the nice curvy styling of the latest Nissan X-Trail. Solid dynamics, decent performance, great 4WD systems with decent off-roading potential, plenty of space, reasonable pricing and plenty of very good equipment all add up to make the new X-Trail another desirable SUV.
Nissan X-Trail 4WD variants start with the ST, step to the ST-L and then top out with the loaded Ti. Each uses the same peppy 2.5-litre petrol with 126 kW and 226 Nm. You can expect around 8.3 litres/100 km fuel efficiency for all the models which come with the auto gearbox as standard. Practical roomy interiors, good luggage space, seating for five and 5-star safe, the X-Trail is to be liked.
Porsche
Porsche Macan
Porsche get into the mid-size SUV market place with a variety of premium AWD Macan models. They demand a high price but then, like Mercedes equivalents, they are very good SUVs – more orientated towards sport/luxury than being a true off-roading SUV. Comfortable and very sporty with great road manners for the enthusiast, the AWD Macan is pure driving pleasure.
The Porsche Macan uses a 185 kW petrol engine delivering a top speed nearing 230 km/h. A 0-100 km/h sprint time of 6.5 seconds should be enough to have plenty of fun on the drive to work!
The Porsche Macan S uses a 260 kW petrol engine delivering a top speed nearing 254 km/h, and it has a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.1 seconds.
The Porsche Macan GTS uses a 280 kW petrol engine delivering a top speed nearing 261 km/h, and it has a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.7 seconds.
The Porsche Macan Turbo uses a 324 kW petrol engine delivering a top speed nearing 270 km/h, and it has a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.3 seconds.
Renault
Renault Koleos
Renault has two very decent AWD medium SUVs that are often overlooked in the masses. Don’t forget to check out a new 2020 Koleos 4×4. Riding on the same platform as the Nissan X-Trail you get a very good off-road system that is more than adequate for plenty of adventure. A petrol and diesel are offered both of which are very well equipped, spacious and comfortable. The Koleos looks smart and flowing, boasting striking LED DRLs and a classy set of alloys.
The Renault Koleos Intens/Sport 2.5 4×4 uses the responsive 2.5-litre, petrol engine with 126 kW and 226 Nm. You should get around 8.3 litres/100 km fuel efficiency out of one of these and its linked to the smooth auto gearbox.
The Renault Koleos Intens/Sport 2.0 4×4 offers the turbo-diesel engine in auto with plenty of power (128 kW) and a hefty 380 Nm of torque. This is the one to get if you need a Koleos for towing, but check out the 5.5 litre/100 km fuel efficiency – which you should match pretty closely.
Your new Renault Koleos comes with a comprehensive suite of 5-star safety features, and out on the open road it happily lopes along effortlessly and quietly.
Skoda
Skoda Kodiaq
For practicality, safety and style, the latest Skoda Kodiaq leads the way. A healthy boot space, sliding and reclining rear seats, seven seats, loads of storage space and a comfortable ride, the Skoda is a perfect mid-size SUV. A diesel and petrol option gives the buyer flexibility. Well equipped, well built and capable off-road, the 4×4 footprint is assured and well balanced for any road surface you care to travel down.
The Kodiaq Style and the Kodiaq Sportline models are offered with a 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 132 kW and 320 Nm. But you can also get your Kodiaq with the superb 2.0-litre turbo-diesel packing 400 Nm of torque and 140 kW. Both engines are linked to a smooth auto gearbox.
Subaru
Subaru Forester
Another medium SUV that’s been through plenty of generations – one of the first of its type, in fact – is the 2020 Subaru Forester. This SUV delivers a great package in various trims that all run with the smooth 4-cylinder, 2.5-litre petrol, auto with 136 kW and 239 Nm. You should be able to get around 7.4 litres/100 km on average.
The latest Forester remains a solid buy, built nice and strong with 5-star safety, loads of new technology and X-Mode for its AWD capability. A good drive.
Toyota
Ever reliable, Toyota has a nice new RAV4 for sale for 2020. Only titivated up last year, the new RAV4 is an SUV that, in hybrid format, uses the new E-Four AWD system. Linked to the smooth and free revving 2.5-litre petrol, the combination of petrol/hybrid technology brings an excellent fuel efficient medium-size SUV to this rather large SUV segment of the market. In hybrid form the RAV4 delivers 131 kW of power and 221 Nm of torque, perfect for everyday driving. Fuel consumption can get as low as 4.7 litres/100 km. You’ll find the hybrid is available for the RAV4 GX, GXL and Cruiser models. The hybrids use a CVT gearbox for delivering power down to the AWD system.
The other engine that’s available for the Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD is the 2.5-litre Dynamic Force direct injection petrol engine which is linked to a very nice 8-speed auto. It has a few more horses under the bonnet with 152 kW and 243 Nm at the ready. Fuel consumption for the Edge is around 7.5 litres/100 km.
Safety is 5-star, so you get a loaded mid-size SUV with Toyota Safety Sense that includes active cruise control, a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure alert, lane trace assist, auto high beam and road sign assist.
Seating is spacious and comfortable for the long haul, while the audio and other infotainment systems are all the latest tech. Plenty of options allow you to individualize you RAV4 to your tastes and there is even things like a panoramic roof.
Volkswagen
VW Tiguan
No more diesel options for VW’s Tiguan, however the two petrol engines deliver nice, smooth power and decent response. One of the 2.0-litre petrol Turbo units puts out 132 kW and 320 Nm, while the other jumps to 162 kW and 350 Nm. Allspace models add a third row of seats to make it possible to carry seven occupants including the driver.
Handy 4×4 systems make the 2020 VW Tiguan pretty good for going off-road. 5-star safety and decent fuel consumption rates all add up to making the pleasant Tiguan easy to live with and very handy to have when you want to escape for the weekend. The Tiguan interiors are smart and well put together.
Volvo
Volvo XC60
Volvo’s XC60 slots into the mid-size SUV segment perfectly. It is one of the most stylish medium SUVs on the market; it looks great from any angle. You also get the Thor hammer DRLs which catch attention instantly.
Out on the road the new Volvo XC60 performs very well with plenty of power and refinement. The ride is very comfortable, aided by the very comfortable seats. Take it off-road and the XC60 handles pretty much anything that comes its way – without being an out-and-out bush basher.
Engines come in the form of petrol, diesel and hybrid – all of which are 2.0-litre capacity. The hybrid is the most powerful engine, with 265 kW maximum combined output and as much as 440 Nm of torque. The hybrid is known as the T8, and with all that power comes an amazing 2.1 litres/100 km of fuel usage –why would you want anything else? It is pricy though…
D4 and D5 XC60 variants pack a tonne of torque from their diesel engines.
The T5 has: 5 seats, auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 187 kW, 350 Nm, 5-star safety and 7.3 litres/100 km.
The D4 has 5 seats, auto, diesel, 2.0-litre, 140 kW, 400 Nm, 5-star safety and 5.2 litres/100 km.
The D5 R-Design has 5 seats, auto, diesel, 2.0-litre, 173 kW, 480 Nm, 5-star safety and 5.5 litres/100 km.
The T6 has: 5 seats, auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 235 kW, 400 Nm, 5-star safety and 7.7 litres/100 km.
The T8 R-Design Hybrid has: 5 seats, auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 265 kW, 440 Nm, 5-star safety and 2.1 litres/100 km.
October New Car Sales Continue To Show A Downwards Slide.
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), the peak body for the automotive industry in Australia, has released new vehicle sales figures for the month of October 2019.
According to Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI, new vehicles have now seen the nineteenth consecutive month of decreasing sales in the Australian market, with October 2019 sales down 9.1% compared to October 2018. “Year to date sales of new motor vehicles in 2019 are almost 78,000 units (eight per cent) lower than the same period in 2018.
“While the drought and other domestic conditions are impacting the market, our key concern is the effect over-regulation of the financial sector is having on new vehicle sales. The FCAI and our members have been concerned about the risk averse approach to lending in Australia for some time and see improved access to finance as a key to driving economic growth in 2020” Mr Weber said. “Of particular interest is the fact that sales are down across all buyer types, with private sales down 5.2 per cent compared to October 2018, business sales are down 8.2 per cent and government sales are down 7.3 per cent.”
Total sales for the month numbered 82,456 vehicles, a decrease of 8,262 vehicles, or 9.1 per cent, on October 2018. During the month, the Sports Utility Market (38,648 units) fell by 3 per cent compared to October 2018, while the Passenger Vehicle Market (23,553 units) was down 15.3 per cent, and the Light Commercial Market (17,164) decreased by 11 per cent.
The Toyota Hilux (3,516 units) was the top selling vehicle in October 2019, followed by the Ford Ranger (3,160). The Hyundai i30 (2,216) was followed by the Toyota RAV4 (2,132) and the Toyota Corolla (2,117). Toyota remained the top selling marque for the month with 16,988 sales for 20.6 per cent market share, followed by Hyundai (7,455 for 9 per cent market share), Mazda (6,370 sales for 7.7 per cent market share), Kia (5,062 sales for 6.1 per cent market share) and Ford (4,891 for 5.9 per cent market share).
Ute Buyers Spoilt For Choice
2020 Ford Ranger
Most of us will know the popularity of the ute in Australia. It’s an awesome type of vehicle for mixing work, play and family duties all together and so easily. Some utes even scrub up so well that they look stylish enough parked up next to a luxury Mercedes, so it is little wonder as to why we’re seeing the Hilux, Ranger or even Triton being very popular new car buys.
2020 Mitsubishi Triton
Australia’s top-selling modern utes need to be able to tow big weights, carry close to 1000 kg on the tray out the back, be capable 4x4s, drive with premium levels of comfort and refinement, look cool and have the latest technology, infotainment and safety aids. Tick all these boxes and, if you’re a new ute manufacturer, you can be sure that you’re going to get some foot traffic onto your showroom floors – which will then, hopefully, transfer into those feet driving one of your utes out of your dealership after just having sold the ute.
There are some pretty special new utes available already in Australia, but there will also be some new utes coming in the not-too-distant future. Hyundai, with joint interest and input from sister company Kia, are poised to bring an exciting ute to Australia. A team of experts from Hyundai recently visited Australia. They piloted a detailed ute market research project here in Australia, while also visiting other Asian countries as well as the Middle East. Hyundai Australia’s CEO, Mr Lee, commented that the new ute would be subject to its extensive local tuning program to tailor it to Australian conditions and consumer tastes. It sounds like Hyundai are doing their homework very well indeed. According to Kia Australia, the ute will be offered in a range of single-cab and double-cab body styles with both petrol and diesel engine options.
2020 Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is set to make an entry, and this really is a light truck/ute that imposes itself with immense on-road presence. It’s big, bold and capable both on and off the road and, essentially, it is a Jeep Wrangler with a big tray out the back. It will offer Sport, Sport S, Overland and Rubicon trims, and it offers two engine choices: a 3.6-litre Pentaster V6 that delivers 209 kW and 353 Nm, and a torquey 3.0-litre diesel V6 to launch a little further down the track. The Gladiator stretches 5.54 m in length, 1.88 m wide and up to 1.90 m in height. A 3.5 tonnes towing weight is no problem.
2020 Ram 1500
In the same vein as the Gladiator, but with even more hulk, is the new Ram 1500, a model that has been birthed out of the Ram Truck Division. Big on grunt the Ram 1500 comes with an updated 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine which should prove more fuel efficient than previous engines. The new engine is used in the newest Jeep Grand Cherokee and will sit above the entry-level Hemi V8 models. Taking a look at the 184 kW and 570 Nm figures for the Grand Cherokee, the same engine in the Ram 1500 should be a thumper – providing up to 4.5-tonnes of pulling capability. So, if you need one of the best tow vehicles then this will be one of them.
Mazda’s new BT-50 will become available next year, and it’s a ute that is being jointly developed with Isuzu. Tough and strong with masculine looks is what has been indicated.
All the recently updated Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi Triton, Ford Ranger, Holden Colorado, Nissan Navara, Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50 are still available. And don’t forget the powerful VW and Mercedes options that are growing in popularity as well. Ssangyong ‘s new Musso looks the real deal and delivers on rugged reliability and affordability, and will be well worth a look if you’re about to purchase a new ute for yourself.
2020 Ssangyong Musso
Ute buyers are spoilt for choice!
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