Funky New SUVs To Buy

Here’s some new SUVs that have already arrived or will be arriving in Australia over the next little bit.  Many of them are new Hybrid, PHEV or EV SUVs.  There’s something for everyone, so keep your eyes out for the following:

SsangYong Torres

An exciting vehicle to arrive in Australia early 2023 will be the new SsangYong Torres.  Those of us who like to find places off the beaten track will enjoy the Torres off-road capable models.  A turbocharged petrol ICE will be mated to a 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission, and there will be FWD and AWD versions available.

Ssangyong will offer the Torres with 17-inch alloy wheels on lower grades through to 20-inch wheels on higher trims. Safety features include 8 airbags, adaptive cruise control, cross-traffic alert, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and safe exit warning.

The new Torres is similar in size to a Mitsubishi Outlander.  703 litres of boot space is available when all 5 seats are up, or there’s a decent 1662 litres available when the second row is folded flat.  A huge central 12.3-inch touchscreen rules the dash space, and drivers get a great looking digital display.  Functions like the climate control and ventilation modes are found on an additional 8.0-inch touchscreen fitted below the prominent 12.3-inch screen.

Mazda CX-60

Mazda has another new SUV.  Now that might sound as if I’m pulling your leg, with Mazda already providing a great line-up of SUVs across the board.  However, the new CX-60 will be a luxury SUV competing directly against other big luxury names – like luxury SUVs from Audi and BMW.  So, you should start getting the idea that the CX-60 is an SUV of a much higher standard than Mazda’s existing CX-5, CX-8 and CX-9 models.

The Mazda CX-60 will be comfortable and offer an impressive array of features and safety.  With its 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain, the new Mazda CX-60 SUV will also offer the most powerful 4-cylinder engine Mazda has produced – the 241 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque is set to impress.

Suzuki S-Cross

Suzuki has their new small S-Cross SUV available for order.  It is built in Hungary.  The design is pleasant and practical, with plenty of comfort and space in its offering.  Inside the latest S-Cross is a new 9.0-inch touchscreen display, and there’s a strong suite of driver-assistance features available as standard for all models – things like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping aids, adaptive cruise control, and AEB to name a few.

Under the bonnet you’ll find a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol ICE.  An ‘AllGrip’ AWD system means that you can get yourself out to some pretty remote places, and Australia hopefully will get the European version’s 48V mild-hybrid system –but we’ll wait and see on that one.

BYD Atto 3

No, BYD isn’t a new take on BYO (Bring Your Own).  BYD stands for Build Your Dreams, and BYD Auto has delivered on the name because they are the largest EV manufacturer in the world.  BYD Auto is the automotive division of the Chinese multinational manufacturer BYD Company.  BYD has designed and developed many new ‘green’ products enjoyed by many around the globe – such as LED technology, solar farms, battery energy storage stations, and, of course, EVs.

The new BYD Atto 3 is an EV SUV.  Pricing is very good, especially when you compare it with other EV SUVs – BYD now making an EV SUV much more affordable and accessible to the masses.  The new BYD Atto 3 offers great EV SUV transport that, in normal everyday driving, will perform well, having a real world driving distance of between 350 and 400 km on a full charge.  The quiet and comfortable electric progress makes for easy driving, and it’s pretty practical as well, with 434 litres available behind the back seats or 1330 litres when the back seats are folded flat. 0-100 km/h can be all over in a little more than 7 seconds.

Chery Omada 5

Chery is delivering the Chery Omada 5 Crossover SUV.  Boasting peak output figures of 150 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque, and a 64 kWh battery that provides a WLTP-rated range of 450 km, these performance figures are stacking up nicely.  The FWD Chery Omada 5 SUV also promises competitive pricing for an EV, plenty of practical space, and all the modern technology you’ll need for EV communications while at work and at play.

Genesis GV70 and GV60

GV70

GV60

Genesis’s luxury GV70 is a pure electric SUV.  The GV70 electric versions have been adapted to take a 77.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a pair of electric motors that combine to produce up to 360 kW of power and 700 Nm of torque.  The resulting 0-100k/h sprint time is a cracking 4.2 seconds.  Genesis quotes a WLTP range of 450 km-plus.

For something a little funkier, Genesis also brings us the new Genesis GV60.  The GV60 shares its platform with the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.  You’ll also note that the interior of the Genesis GV60 appears familiar with an EV6 or Ioniq 5, but just a whole lot more luxurious.

Two models of the new Genesis GV60 are available: the standard GV60 AWD (234 kW), and the GV60 Performance (360 kW).  The Performance variant of the GV60 raises the power output of both electric motors to 180 kW for the rear and 180 kW for the front.  This results in a total output of 360 kW enabling the GV60 Performance AWD to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds (4.6sec without Boost Mode).  A rear limited slip differential (E-LSD), black monobloc front brakes, and an adaptable electronic suspension that reads the road are part of the impressive GV60 Performance features.

Buy a standard Genesis GV60 AWD, and you get a 160 kW motor for the rear axle and a 74 kW motor for the front axle, totalling 234 kW for peak output and a maximum torque of 605 Nm.

Nissan

New Qashqai, X-Trail, and Pathfinder

Qashqai

X-Trail

Pathfinder

More muscular, sharper in detail, and definitely a little suaver, the new Nissan Qashqai looks fantastic.  With prominent shoulder lines, a new enlarged Nissan V-motion grille, and slim, full LED advanced matrix headlamps with boomerang signature daylight running lights, the Qashqai is impressive.  Nissan certainly makes the Qashqai an attractive SUV for buyers wanting a capable and practical smaller SUV.  With all the latest technology and luxury, the new Nissan Qashqai also offers its buyers an ePower powertrain in the full Qashqai line-up, meaning that the ePower system offers full electric driving where the wheels are completely driven by electric motors.

Nissan’s new X-Trail has similarly striking looks, new technology, and lots more to offer with its pleasant drive, comfort, and safety features.

Then there is the latest Nissan Pathfinder, delivering the ultimate family SUV 4×4 Crossover experience.  The latest 9-speed automatic transmission delivers quick response and enhanced traction.  With the all-new Intelligent 4×4 system a very capable one, you can select 1 of 7 available drive modes for on and off-road work.

Ford Everest

Ford claims the new big Ford Everest SUV has strong capability across all facets, especially when it comes to power, safety, and comfort.  A very complete and likable SUV, the Everest is built tough, and yet delivers a nice and serene haven for its occupants on the inside.  You can be sure that the 2022 Ford Everest is ready for everything your travels entail, including towing with a full load and the entire family.

Ford’s new Everest SUV has a strong on-road presence with a very horizontal fascia at the front that creates a rugged, tough look. The new grille with its distinctive C-Clamp LED headlamps showcases Ford’s tough design.  Ambiente, Trend, Sport, and Platinum models are available for buyers.

The Everest houses the new 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 motor, which is offered alongside the existing 2.0-litre twin-turbo 4-cylinder diesel engine.  The V6 boasts 184 kW of power at 3250 rpm and 600 Nm of torque from 1750-2250 rpm.  These two engines are also available in the new Ford Ranger ute, which is what this Everest SUV is built upon.

Alfa Romeo Tonale

Alfa Romeo’s Tonale is set to arrive early in 2023.  As an entry-level model, the Tonale Super competes against Lexus, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, and Volvo.  The Tonale Ti is the top of the range model, easily rubbing shoulders with the best from out of these other luxury brands.

Plenty of the modern electronic technology is present, with 4G connectivity and voice-activated Amazon Alexa built into the new Tonale.  It will be powered by a petrol–electric hybrid powertrain which is based around a new 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder ICE.  Its pleasant Italian looks won’t go unnoticed.

BMW X1

One of the Tonale’s competitors will be BMW’s new X1 SUV.  The X1 is a nice small SUV cruiser – larger than before though – and the exterior looks great, even a bit smarter than the outgoing models.  Thus, with the increase in size, the luggage capacity has also grown from 505 to 550 litres and will expand to a maximum of 1600 litres when the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats are folded flat.  LED headlights and tail-lights are fitted as standard, with Matrix LED headlights available on higher trims.

Inside the new BMW X1 there is a re-designed and remodelled interior to enjoy.  BMW also provide buyers with a fully-electric X1 – known as the BMW iX1.  The third-generation BMW X1 covers all the bases with diesel, plug-in hybrid, petrol, and now electric variants being available for the global market.  So far, petrol and electric models have been confirmed for the Australian market.

Is there Still Space in the Market for Sedans?

Like a slow motion replay, the scene has been unfolding for some time. In fact, go back a couple of years and the writing was on the wall. Australians are obsessed with SUVs. But it’s not just here either, with many other countries following the trend, none more evident than the United States and China.

It has reached the point now where local SUV sales are far and away outperforming sedans, and have blown past 50% of all new car sales. On the one hand, the rise of commercial vehicles like utes has also helped to skew the numbers away from sedans, but the prominence of the SUV category is no statistical anomaly.

With such an evident trend appearing to be set in stone, it does raise questions over the future viability of the sedan format. In particular, will sedans still have a place in the market as SUV sales soar?

An evolving landscape

Cars have always been redefined by the technological progress that accompanies them. That doesn’t just extend to what’s under the bonnet either, nor what’s inside the cabin. It also extends to the shape of the body. We’ve seen an evolution as far as new formats like crossovers, liftbacks and many other identities.

In many respects, there is no reason to believe this won’t continue as means to continue fuelling the sedan market. Design changes may be subtle, but incorporating the feedback we’ve come to expect from those who prefer things like superior room, ride height, visibility and off-road versatility that comes with an SUV. Not to mention, with electrification and autonomy on the way, designs will inherently continue to transform, gradually shifting our taste in vehicles too.

The value proposition will dictate future sales

For now, sedans are still posting sales numbers that are nothing to sneeze at. Sure, they may be declining, but the choice for SUV models has risen astronomically to provide more options than ever before. Motorists’ preferences may have changed but in some ways, historical data may have been otherwise pointed to higher levels of SUV sales – and lower sedan sales – had drivers been afforded more choice at an earlier stage.

It is also a challenge that manufacturers should embrace. They will not only be faced with the task of streamlining their sedan range – as many have done already – but also going about reinvigorating a value proposition into the category to drive sales.

SUV sales may offer auto-makers fatter margins, however their higher prices and at-times polarising looks will still be a barrier to pushing sedans out of the market. So if sedans are then here to stay, car manufacturers must add value in the form of new technology, amenity, efficiency and performance to compete for the shrinking pool of buyers. And it’s many of these criteria that sedans have historically held the upper hand.

It’s School Run Time Again!

Well, the start of another school year is upon us, which means that the roads at certain times of the day are going to be super-busy as mums and dads do the school run.  If your child is starting school for the first time or if he/she is going to a new school that’s beyond walking distance, you might be wondering about doing the school run for the first time.  What do you need to know?  And how do you get your car ready for the school run?

First of all, figure out whether you want to be part of a car pool scheme or whether you’re only going to pick up and drop off your own kids.  This depends on a number of factors, including how large your family is and where all the other families involved in the car pool scheme live. It also depends on how large your family vehicle is.  If what’s handy for the school run is a smaller two-door hatchback that requires passengers to do a fair bit of clambering in order to be squished in the back seat, then you may not be all that popular.  However, if you have a minivan or MPV handy, then you’re probably the obvious choice for doing the school run.

If you choose to go down the car pool route, then sit down and negotiate everything with the others involved in the scheme. What happens when someone is ill or has an unexpected meeting at an awkward time? If someone has to do the lion’s share of the driving (that person with the seven-seater, for example), how will they be compensated for the extra fuel (or power) costs? Will the car pool only be for the mornings, or will it be for afternoons as well – and what happens when one (or more) of the kids has after-school sports or drama or something along those lines? Carpooling, while good in theory, might not work for everybody in all situations.

Getting The Car Ready

Here, we’ll assume that your situation is like mine: two kids and no nearby families, so you’re doing the school run on your own. Do you need to do anything to get your car ready specifically for the school run?

Your car will already be set up in many ways for carrying your own kids (booster seats, for example) but there may be a few more things that you need to think about. For example, will you carry school bags in the boot or in the car cabin? What happens if someone has to carry an extra-big delicate school project – where will that go? How will you make sure that the inevitable paper notices that kids come out of school clutching at the end of the school day don’t get lost in all the other bits that creep into a car’s cabin over time (we’ve all been there!). If you have some sort of system, the chances that an important notice will get lost in the seat-back storage pocket or in the footwell will be minimised.

Other things you might want to get ready include:

• Having USB chargers ready to go in case someone needs to charge their phone, tablet or laptop – especially if they have only just realised that the laptop has low battery and they’re going to be the first person to present a speech when they get to school.
• Snacks for after school. Kids are often hungry after a busy day, and this can make them grumpy and whiny, especially if you end up getting stuck in a traffic jam. Dried fruit, nuts, rice crackers and bliss balls are all easy to store in the glove box to restore flagging blood sugar levels while still being reasonably healthy.
• An umbrella. Weather can be fickle, and if you opt to park further down the road then walk to meet your kids at the school gate, there will inevitably be a day when you didn’t think it was going to rain but…

Cleaning your car before the school year begins is your choice, although I’d recommend giving the inside a good vacuum just to give it that fresh, new feeling that you always get at the start of a new school year. If your kids are old enough to be embarrassed by a dirty car exterior, or if they’re old enough to find writing “Clean Me” messages in the dust funny, they’re old enough to be made to wash the car themselves.  You could make going to the car wash a bit of a weekly ritual – perhaps at the end of the week.

School Run Etiquette

When you do the school run, it’s important to be courteous and considerate of other parents and other children. Don’t go all Mama Bear, ready to run roughshod all over other people in order to get your kids.  Every other parent is as stressed and protective as you are.  What’s more, congestion and visibility are real hazards around school gates at the busy times of day.  To ensure that everybody stays safe, follow the etiquette rules:

• Don’t double-park, park in bus stops or park in No Parking zones. Parking a little way down the road and having a short walk won’t do you or your kids any harm.
• Keep your speed down, no matter how busy or rushed for time you are.
• Respect zebra crossings – that’s a no brainer.
• Don’t honk your horn to get your child’s attention.
• Avoid getting into silly status games with other parents involving fashion, achievements and vehicle type.
• Respect rules such as the time limit in the “kiss and run” zones.
• Model the sort of patience that you would expect your kids to demonstrate, especially regarding places in the queue, waiting your turn and so forth.
• If someone else breaks these rules, refrain from shouting corrections and comments out the window. You don’t want to be a Karen.

An MPV – Great for School Runs!

S to Z of Surfing Vehicles Dude

“Surfs up!”

“Dude, how am I gonna get there?”

“Bro, you need a car!”

Summer is here, and surfing is a great lifestyle for getting out, chasing the waves, and getting some immunity-boosting Vitamin D.  In fact, any sort of outdoor adventure and exercise will see you a fitter and healthier person for getting out there and doing it.  What 2022 cars make for an ideal surfer’s or outdoorsy-person’s companion?  The following are several useful vehicles that will transport you, a friend or two, some gear, and surfboards/mountain bikes through something more than just a little puddle, mud or soft sand.

Dedicated vans or MPVs with AWD like the Volkswagen Multivan, LDV G10, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Kia Carnival, Mercedes-Benz Valente, Volkswagen Caravelle, Honda Odyssey, Hyundai STARIA, Volkswagen California, Toyota Granvia, Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo ACTIVITY, and the Volkswagen Caddy are potentially great for surfing travels with one, two or more mates.  Some, but not all, will offer AWD.  Depending on how far down onto the beach you want to get your MPV or Van, AWD is definitely the way to go for ensuring you have a better chance of getting through soft sand and out of sticky situations.

For years, station wagons have been a go-to machine for the surfer; for good reason too as they offer plenty of space for lugging gear and for sleeping.  Having a vehicle that can get you across country and down onto the beach makes for the ultimate surfer’s vehicle.  Outside of the list of MPVs/vans above, there are some great vehicles worth a look if you’re into doing a bit of surfing, fishing and any other type of outdoor adventure.

Here is the best of them from S (Skoda) to V (Volvo).  Let us know if we’ve missed anything in between!

Skoda Kodiaq

Arguably the best in the business is Skoda’s Kodiaq.  It does everything a surfer wants very well.  The 2.0-litre Turbo petrol engine is smooth and powerful.  4×4 capability is at the ready, and the Kodiaq Wagon boasts 7-seats and a 7 speed automatic 4×4 gearbox.  A 132 kW/320 Nm turbo-petrol is under the bonnet of the base and Sportline variants.  The punchy RS packs a 176 kW/500 Nm version of the 2.0-litre engine. The AWD-only Skoda not only offers 3 rows of seats, it is also able to open up 2005 litres of boot space.  With standard autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, active LED headlights and a cosy, suede-trimmed interior complete with sat-nav, keyless start, two-zone climate-control and side and rear-window blinds, the Skoda Kodiaq is one very impressive package.

Skoda Superb AWD Scout

Grab yourself an AWD Skoda Superb Scout crossover wagon and surfing trips just got a whole lot nicer.  Under the Scout’s bonnet sits a 200 kW/350 Nm, 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The spacious, comfortable and high-quality cabin is laden with plenty of soft-touch panels and easy-to-read interfaces. Safety technology includes front and rear autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with active assist, blind-spot monitoring and self-parking.  The Superb Wagons will take 660 litres of luggage, expanding to 1950 litres with the rear seats folded. Towing capacity is rated at 2.2 tonnes.

SsangYong Rexton

Here’s another strong contender for best surfing wagon.  The seven-seater, five-star safe, 8-speed auto, 4×4, 2.2 Diesel-Turbo SsangYong Rexton large SUV uses a 149 kW/441 Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel that boasts less than 9 litres/100 km fuel economy.  With, all-independent suspension, all-wheel disc brakes and an eight-speed auto gearbox, the big Korean-made SUV is equipped to go bush.  Boot space is a handy 1806 litres with second and third rows flat.

Subaru Forester

An icon in the surfing fraternity, the Subaru Forester always delivers the goods.  2022 sees the 5-door wagon offer a CVT 7-speed AWD with even autonomous emergency steering standard.  This is five-star safe, great on sipping small amounts of fuel and comfortable on any surface of road.  The Forester continues with the 136 kW/239 Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine, and the 2.0-litre mild-hybrid claims 6- to 7 litres/100 km.  The Forester offers generous levels of passenger space, and the luggage capacity can open to 1768 litres with the rear seats folded.  Of course, the Forester is known for going places that Physics suggest it shouldn’t.  It is capable off-road, just keep in mind that it’s not a “Landie”!

Subaru Outback

Surprise, surprise, here is another Subaru, and a favourite with surfers.  The latest Subaru Outback is the newest of a long line of wagon’s that have carried surfboards and surfers all around the country.  Subaru’s Outback is made for the surfer’s design brief, so it will happily go off-road, cruise the open road, accommodate a mattress and provide great accident protection.  Five-star safe and comfortable to drive, the 5-door Outback Wagon uses a 138 kW/245 Nm 2.5-litre boxer petrol four-cylinder driving all four wheels through a new CVT transmission.  Subaru’s Outback crossover is bigger inside and out, employs the company’s latest global platform and features all the latest safety technology.  You can tow up to two-tonnes, and you have a boot with up to 2144 litres!

Toyota

Plenty of choice in the Toyota brand. Take your pick out of the RAV4 (smallest), Kluger, Fortuner, Prado (largest), and Land Cruiser.  All will get you far and beyond the tarmac, the Prado and Land Cruiser being truly 4×4 bush bashing capable.  Comfortable, reliable, and safe.  Boot space starts at around 1800 litres for the RAV4 and gets bigger from here.

Volkswagen Touareg

Good things come from VW, as surfers well know – the VW Kombi being a surfing icon.  Well-dressed, big and brutish is what many of the ladies like, and the Volkswagen Touareg has it all.  Available as a huge 5-door SUV shape, the Touareg boasts five-star safety, 4×4 competence, and a huge boot (over 1800 litres).  Passenger space is right up there with the best in the business.  It is available with a choice of three diesel engines: two 3.0-litre V6s – 170 kW/500 Nm (170 TDI) and 210 kW/600 Nm (210 TDI), plus a ruthless 310 kW/900 Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 monster.

VW Tiguan Allspace

Over 2000 litres of boot space (Allspace version), a practical no-nonsense interior, 5-star safe, comfortable to drive, AWD availability, and the Tiguan starts to make sense.  It is also another vehicle that has self-parking capability.  With 4MOTION AWD and a dual-clutch six or seven-speed auto transmissions, the Tiguan is an impressive mid-size SUV.  The choice of motors is good; a 110 kW/250 Nm 1.4-litre and 162 kW/350 Nm 2.0-litre petrol turbo is available along with the torquey and thrifty 147 TDI 147 kW/400 Nm turbo-diesel.

Volvo XC60

Volvos are amazing cars to drive.  They are so comfortable, elegant, and boast all the best tech. Safety is a given, and the XC60 has up to 1792 litres of boot space.  Five-door SUV styling, an 8-speed automatic with AWD and you’re away.  Volvo’s XC60 SUV line-up is powered by petrol-only mild-hybrid 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines. The R-Design continues with the more powerful 220 kW/420 Nm B6 mild-hybrid powertrain while the Polestar Engineered sticks with the 311 kW/670 Nm T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain.  Both are nice and responsive engines.

Volvo XC90

Even with all 7 seats in place, the Volvo XC90 boot can hold up to 302 litres of luggage.  Folding down second and third rows makes way for 1856 litres.  A superbly comfortable, AWD capable, and delivering huge safety credentials, the new Volvo XC90 is a luxury SUV like no other.  All XC90s come with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning/assist, sat-nav, self-parking, AWD, an 8-speed automatic transmission and a fuel-saving idle-stop system.  The XC90 D4 is powered by a 173 kW/480 Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.  The T6 petrol comes with a 140 kW/400 Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.  The 2.0-litre plug-in petrol-electric hybrid XC90 T8 claims an amazing 2.1 litres/100 km fuel consumption and slingshots to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds!